Manifold for filtering medical waste being drawn under vacuum into a medical waste collection system

ABSTRACT

A manifold including a filter element for filtering medical waste. A housing may include a rim having a width larger than a height to define a non-circular outlet opening. The housing may include body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void. The rim may be on the first leg, and a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag may be at least partially disposed on an upper wall defining the second leg. A spine may include a proximally-directed surface positioned proximal to a distally-directed surface of a lock element and distal to a proximally-directed surface of an arm. The proximally-directed surface of the spine may be a ramped surface. A seal may be coupled to the rim and include a seal body shaped to cover the outlet opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/383,218, filed Apr. 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

A byproduct of some surgical procedures is the generation of liquid, semisolid, and/or solid waste material. The liquid waste material may include bodily fluids and irrigating solution(s) at the surgical site, and the solid and semisolid waste material may include bits of tissue and pieces of surgical material(s). The medical waste, regardless of its phase, is preferably collected so it neither fouls the surgical site nor becomes a biohazard in the medical suite in which the procedure is being performed.

The medical waste may be removed from the surgical site through a suction tube under the influence of a vacuum provided by a suction source. One exemplary medical waste collection system is sold under the tradename NEPTUNE by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Mich.) with certain versions of the medical waste collection system disclosed in commonly owned United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0171495, published Aug. 4, 2005, International Publication No. WO 2007/070570, published Jun. 21, 2007, and International Publication No. WO 2014/066337, published May 1, 2014, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.

A manifold may be provided that facilitates interfacing the suction tube with the medical waste collection system. Additionally or alternatively, the manifold may include a filter element for filtering the waste material to avoid clogging or compromise of components of the medical waste collection system. The manifold may be single use and disposable. For example, an unused manifold may be operably coupled with the medical waste collection system before or during the procedure, and the used manifold may be operably decoupled from the medical waste collection system during or after the procedure. Facilitating safe and efficient repeated coupling and decoupling of manifolds with the medical waste collection system requires a robust interface, which remains an area of particular interest and development.

SUMMARY

A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction. The manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume. The housing includes a rim defining the outlet opening. A filter element is disposed within the manifold volume. An arm extends outwardly from the housing and includes a proximally-directed surface. A lock element extends outwardly from the housing and includes a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm. A spine extends outwardly from the housing and includes a proximally-directed surface positioned proximal to the distally-directed surface of the lock element and distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm. A catch includes a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm. The rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void, and the rim is positioned below the catch when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.

A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction. The manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume. The housing includes a body portion extending to a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void. A filter element is disposed within the manifold volume. An arm extends outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg. The arm includes a proximally-directed surface. A lock element extends outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg. The lock element includes a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm. A catch is disposed on the second leg and includes a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm. A spine extends outwardly from one of the body portion, the first leg, and the second leg. The spine includes a proximal end positioned distal to the distally-directed surface of the catch and proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm.

A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction. The manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume. The housing includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver. The housing further includes a rim defining the outlet opening. A filter element is disposed within the manifold volume. An arm extends laterally outward from one of the opposing sides and includes a proximally-directed surface. A catch includes a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm. The catch is located on a first side of a void that is separate from the manifold volume and separate from the outlet opening. The rim is located on a second side of the void that is opposite the first side. A spine extends downwardly from the lower wall and includes a ramped surface positioned distal to the distally-directed surface of the catch.

A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction. The manifold includes a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume. The housing includes a rim defining the outlet opening. A filter element is disposed within the manifold volume. An arm extends outwardly from the housing and includes a proximally-directed surface positioned distal to the rim. A lock element extends outwardly from the housing and includes a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and distal to the rim. A catch includes a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and proximal to the rim. The rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void external to the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical waste collection system with each of two manifolds configured to be removably inserted into a respective one of two receivers of the medical waste collection system. Two suction tubes are configured to be removably coupled to each of the two manifolds.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medical waste collection system and the manifolds of FIG. 1 with a front cover of the medical waste collection system removed to show the receivers coupled to a respective one of two waste containers of the medical waste collection system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the manifold and the receiver with the manifold oriented for insertion into an opening of the receiver.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the manifold.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head of the manifold.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the head.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the head.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a trunk of the manifold. A seal of the manifold has been removed to show an outlet opening of the trunk.

FIG. 9 is front elevation view of the trunk.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the trunk.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the trunk.

FIG. 12 is a detailed side elevation view of a portion of the trunk.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the trunk.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the trunk.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a valve.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a filter element.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the filter element.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the filter element.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the seal.

FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view of the seal.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the seal.

FIG. 22 is a sectional plan view of the seal of FIG. 21 taken along section lines 22-22.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the receiver.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the receiver.

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the receiver.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a lower housing of the receiver.

FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of the lower housing.

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the lower housing.

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of an inlet mechanism of the receiver.

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the inlet mechanism.

FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the inlet mechanism.

FIG. 32 is a front elevation view of the inlet mechanism.

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of a sled assembly of the receiver. The inlet mechanism, a sled lock assembly, and claws of the receiver are shown engaging the sled assembly in respective positions. The lower housing—to which the inlet mechanism, the sled lock assembly, and the claws are coupled—is not shown for clarity.

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of the sled assembly.

FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of the sled assembly. The sled lock assembly is shown engaging the sled assembly.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of one of the claws.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a latch of the sled lock assembly.

FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of the latch.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a locking assembly shown in a default configuration and/or an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the locking assembly shown in a locked configuration.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the manifold and the receiver in a first operative position.

FIG. 42 is a sectional elevation view of FIG. 41 taken along section lines 42-42.

FIG. 43 is a detailed sectional elevation view of FIG. 42 within boundary 43.

FIG. 44 is a sectional plan view of FIG. 41 taken along section lines 44-44.

FIG. 45 is a detailed sectional elevation view of FIG. 44 within boundary 45-45.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the manifold and the receiver in a second operative position.

FIG. 47 is a sectional elevation view of the receiver of FIG. 46 taken along section lines 47-47 with the manifold shown in elevation.

FIG. 48 is a detailed view of FIG. 47 within boundary 48.

FIG. 49 is a sectional plan view of FIG. 46 taken along section lines 49-49.

FIG. 50 is a detailed sectional elevation view of FIG. 49 within boundary 50.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the manifold and the receiver in a third operative position.

FIG. 52 is a sectional elevation view of the receiver of FIG. 51 taken along section lines 52-52 with the manifold shown in elevation.

FIG. 53 is a detailed view of FIG. 52 within boundary 53.

FIG. 54 is a sectional plan view of FIG. 51 taken along section lines 54-54.

FIG. 55 is a detailed sectional elevation view of FIG. 54 within boundary 55.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the manifold and the receiver in a fourth or fully inserted operative position.

FIG. 57 is a sectional elevation view of FIG. 56 taken along section lines 57.

FIG. 58 is a detailed sectional elevation view of FIG. 57 within boundary 58.

FIG. 59 is a sectional plan view of FIG. 56 taken along section lines 59-59.

FIG. 60 is a detailed sectional elevation view of FIG. 59 within boundary 60.

FIG. 61 is a sectional elevation view of the receiver of FIG. 56 taken along section lines 61-61 with the manifold shown in elevation and the locking assembly in the locked configuration.

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the manifold and the receiver with the locking assembly in the unlocked configuration.

FIG. 63 is a sectional elevation view of the receiver of FIG. 62 taken along section lines 63-63 with the manifold shown in elevation.

FIG. 64 is a rear perspective view of a trunk of the manifold.

FIG. 65 is a rear elevation view of the trunk of FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is a side elevation view of the trunk of FIG. 64.

FIG. 67 is a detailed side elevation view of a portion of the trunk of FIG. 64.

FIG. 68 is a bottom plan view of the trunk of FIG. 64.

FIG. 69 is a top plan view of the trunk of FIG. 64.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a medical waste collection system 100 for collecting the waste material generated during medical procedures, and more particularly surgical procedures. The medical waste collection system 100 collects the waste material and/or stores the waste material until it is necessary or desired to off-load and dispose of the waste material. The medical waste collection system 100 may be transported to and operably coupled with a docking station through which the waste material is emptied.

The medical waste collection system 100 may include a base 102 and wheels 104 for moving the system 100 along a floor surface within a medical facility. The medical waste collection system 100 includes at least one waste container 106, 108 defining a waste volume for collecting and storing the waste material. FIG. 2 shows a first waste container 106 arranged above a second waste container 108 having a relatively greater or larger volume than the first waste container 106. A vacuum pump 110 (in phantom) is supported on the base 102 and configured to draw suction on one or both of the first and second waste containers 106, 108 through one or more vacuum lines 112, 114. At least one vacuum regulator (not shown) may also be supported on the base 102 and in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 110 and the waste container(s) 106, 108. The vacuum regulator(s) are configured to regulate a level of the suction drawn on the waste container(s) 106, 108. Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the medical waste collection system 100 are disclosed in aforementioned commonly owned United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0171495, International Publication No. WO 2007/070570, and International Publication No. WO 2014/066337. Suitable construction and operation of several subsystems of the medical waste collection system 100 may also be disclosed in commonly owned International Publication No. WO 2017/112684, published Jun. 29, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The medical waste collection system 100 includes at least one receiver 116 supported on the base 102. In a most general sense, the receiver(s) 116 define an opening 118 sized to removably receive at least a portion of a manifold 124 in a manner to be described throughout the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows two receivers 116 with each of the receivers 116 associated with a respective one of the first and second waste containers 106, 108. Alternatively, a single receiver and/or a single manifold may be provided. The receiver(s) 116 include a suction inlet 266 (see FIGS. 24 and 29-32) configured to be arranged in fluid communication with the respective one of the waste containers 106, 108. A suction path may be established from suction tube(s) 120 to the waste containers 106, 108 through the manifold(s) 124 removably inserted into the receiver(s) 116. The vacuum generated by the vacuum pump 110 is drawn on the suction tube(s) 120, and the waste material at the surgical site is drawn through the manifold(s) 124, through the suction inlet 266, through a suction outlet 410 of the receiver 116, and into the waste container(s) 106, 108.

Referring to FIG. 3, the manifold 124 is shown in a decoupled operative position in which the manifold 124 is separate or spaced apart from the receiver 116. FIG. 3 may be representative of the manifold 124 prior to insertion into the receiver 116 and/or after removal of the manifold 124 from the receiver 116. The manifold 124 is configured to be inserted into the receiver 116 through the opening 118, and the suction tube(s) 120 are coupled to inlet fitting(s) 126 of the manifold 124. The resulting arrangement is schematically reflected in FIG. 1 in which two suction tubes 120 are coupled to two of four inlet fittings 126 of each of the manifolds 124. Any number of inlet fitting(s) are contemplated, and it is further contemplated that the suction tube(s) 120 may be integral with the housing 128. The aforementioned suction path is established, and an instrument (not shown) coupled to an end of the suction tube(s) 120 opposite the manifold(s) 124 may be directed to the surgical site to collect the waste material under the influence of the vacuum provided by the vacuum pump 110.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the manifold 124 includes a housing 128. The housing 128 may define a manifold volume 130 in certain configurations. The housing 128 may be considered any external structure or component of the manifold 124, and more particularly any structure or component that at least partially defines the manifold volume 130. FIG. 4 shows the manifold 124 including a head 132 coupled to a trunk 134 to at least partially form the housing 128. The head 132 is positioned distal to the trunk 134 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116, as shown in FIG. 3. As used throughout the present disclosure, the terms “distal” and “proximal” may refer to the respective directions identified in arrows of FIGS. 3, 4, 8, 19, 23, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 54, 57, 59, 62 and 64. In another convention, the term “distal” may refer to a direction generally away from a rear barrier 602 of the receiver 116, and the term “proximal” may refer to a direction generally towards the rear barrier 602 of the receiver 116. In still another convention, the term “distal” may refer to a direction generally towards a front of the manifold 124 and towards the surgical site, and the term “proximal” refers to a direction generally towards a rear of the manifold 124 (when the manifold 124 is inserted into the receiver 116) and away from the surgical site. In an alternative to the multi-piece construction including the head 132 and the trunk 134, the housing 128 of the manifold 124 may be of unitary or monolithic construction. The head 132 (or any other portion of the housing 128) may include the inlet fitting(s) 126. The inlet fitting(s) 126 may extend distally from a crown 136 to define a distal end of the manifold 124. Alternatively, the inlet fitting(s) 126 may be coupled to a different structure separate from the housing 128 (i.e., not directly coupled to the head 132) with the inlet fitting(s) 126 being in fluid communication with an outlet opening 242 to be described to establish the suction path. It is further contemplated that any features described as being a part of the head 132 may alternatively be a part of the trunk 134, and any features described as being a part of the trunk 134 may alternatively be a part of the head 132.

In certain implementations, the housing 128 may merely provide the structural support for the certain various components without defining the outlet opening 242. In other words, the housing 128 may not define the manifold volume 130 but instead support certain structures described below, including but not limited to arm(s) 284, catch(es) 254, a spine 300, and/or locking element(s) 306. For example, an arrangement in which a volume and/or outlet opening is defined by a structure separate from a housing are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0333520, published Nov. 22, 2018, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Each of the inlet fittings 126 may define an inlet bore 138. FIGS. 3-5 show four of the inlet fittings 126 extending distally from the crown 136 in a parallel arrangement according to one implementation. The manifold 124, therefore, is configured to be removably coupled with four of the suction tubes 120 to be simultaneously operable with operation of the medical waste collection system 100. Should one or more of the inlet fittings 126 not be removably coupled with the suction tube 120, a cap 140 may be removably coupled with a distal portion of the inlet fitting(s) 126 to seal a respective one of the inlet bores 138 from fluid communication with the ambient. The resulting arrangement prevents ambient air from being drawn into the inlet bores 138 under the influence of the vacuum when the respective inlet fitting(s) 126 are not intended for use for at least a portion of the surgical procedure. The vacuum may be directed through the inlet fitting(s) 126 to which the suction tube(s) 120 are coupled without compromise, thereby providing improved control of the vacuum level at the surgical site. The cap(s) 140 may be coupled to the housing 128 with one or more tethers 142 extending outwardly from the head 132, and pairs of the caps 140 may be coupled to one another with webbing 144 such that the pairs of the caps 140 may be coupled to and decoupled from respective pairs of the inlet fittings 126 in tandem. Alternatively, the caps 140 may be provided separately, and/or the tether(s) 142 may be removably coupled to the head 132.

The crown 136 shown in FIG. 5 may include a lower face 146 and an upper face 148 each from which a pair of the inlet fittings 126 extend distally. The lower face 146 is positioned below the upper face 148 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The lower face 146 may be positioned more distal to the upper face 148 such that, owing to a length of the inlet fittings 126 being equal, a lower pair of the inlet fittings 126 extend more distally than an upper pair of the inlet fittings 126. The resulting arrangement is generally shown in the elevation view of FIG. 7, and the axial staggering between the upper and lower pairs of the inlet fittings 126 may provide additional clearance for a user's hand to confidently couple and decouple the suction tube(s) 120 and/or the cap(s) 140 with the inlet fitting(s) 126. It is contemplated that the inlet fittings 126 may be positioned in other suitable arrangements to achieve its desired function.

The head 132 may include at least one side 150. The side 150 may extend between a distal rim 151 opposite a proximal rim 153. The distal rim 151 may be positioned slightly distal to the crown 136 such that the crown 136 is recessed. The side 150 may be considered a singular surface that is cylindrical in shape, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, or plural surfaces arranged in any suitable geometry. An inner or proximal surface of the crown 136 and an inner surface of the side 150 may cooperate to define a cavity 152, best shown in FIG. 6, that may define at least a portion of the manifold volume 130. In such an arrangement, the inlet bore(s) 138 are in fluid communication with the cavity 152, and thus the manifold volume 130. The side 150 may include at least one control surface 154 configured to be manipulated by the user to facilitate inserting the manifold 124 into the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The control surface(s) 154 may include a depression formed within the side 150 and positioned diametrically opposite one another (one shown in FIGS. 5 and 7), or other suitable geometric features or materials configured to enhance handling of the manifold 124. The side 150 may include at least one orienting indicia 156 configured to provide a visual indication of the proper orientation of the manifold 124 to be inserted within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. FIGS. 5-7 show the orienting indicia 156 as ridges diametrically opposed to one another and extending proximally-to-distally along upper and lower aspects of the side 150. The orienting indicia 156 may include other geometric features or indicia, for example, color contrasting with adjacent portions of the head 132.

In certain implementations, the head 132 and the trunk 134 are removably coupled to one another. Referring to FIGS. 4-9, the head 132 includes at least one key 158 or head coupler configured to be removably coupled with at least one keyway 160 or trunk coupler of the trunk 134. The key 158 may be two keys 158 diametrically opposed to one another and extending proximally from the proximal rim 153 of the head 132. The keyway 160 may be two keyways 160 diametrically opposed to one another and defined between at least one lip 166 extending radially outwardly from a collar 168 of the trunk 134. The keyway(s) 160 may include an insertion portion 170 and a locking portion 172 in communication with the insertion portion 170. As best shown in FIG. 9, the insertion portion 170 may be wider than the locking portion 172. In other words, a portion of the lip 166 defining the locking portion 172 may be thinner than a portion of the lip 166 defining the insertion portion 170. The key 158 may include a shank 162, and a barb 164 extending from the shank 162. The barb 164 may be thicker than the shank 162. The width of the insertion portion 170 is greater or larger than a thickness of the barb 164 and greater or larger than a thickness of the shank 162, and the width of the locking portion 172 is less than the thickness of the barb 164 and greater or larger than the thickness of the shank 162. Further, a length of the shank 162 may be at least equal to a length of the lip 166. More particularly, the length of the shank 162 may be greater or larger than the length of the portion of the lip 166 defining the insertion portion 170, and the length of the shank 162 may be approximately equal to the length of the portion of the lip 166 defining the locking portion 172. As a result, during assembly of the manifold 124 or when it is desired to couple the head 132 with the trunk 134, the head 132 is oriented relative to the trunk 134 such that the barb(s) 164 are rotationally aligned with the insertion portion(s) 170. The head 132 is moved towards the trunk 134 such that the barb(s) 164 extend through the insertion portion(s) 170 to pass the lip 166, and the shank 162 is positioned within the insertion portion(s) 170. The head 132 is rotated relative to the trunk 134, for example, clockwise in the view of FIG. 9, to move the key(s) 158 within the keyway(s) 160. The shank(s) 162 move from within the insertion portion(s) 170 to within the locking portion(s) 172 with the barb(s) 164 positioned in an interference arrangement with the portion of the lip(s) 166 defining the locking portion(s) 172. The interference prevents axial movement of the head 132 relative to the trunk 134, and the head 132 may be considered secured to the trunk 134 to form the housing 128 of the manifold 124.

The removable coupling between the head 132 and the trunk 134 may provide access to the manifold volume 130 within which a filter element 174 is disposed. Among other advantages, accessing the filter element 174 may allow the user to retrieve waste material collected within the filter element 174, most notably a polyp or tissue sample, for further examination and processing during certain surgical procedures. Commonly owned International Publication No. WO 2013/090579, published Jun. 20, 2013, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a manifold including a tissue trap for collecting the polyp or the tissue sample. In certain implementations, the manifold 124, including the head 132, may include further features to facilitate collection of tissue sample(s).

When it is desired to decouple the head 132 from the trunk 134, the aforementioned method steps are reversed. The head 132 is rotated relative to the trunk 134, counterclockwise in the view of FIG. 9, to move the key(s) 158 within the keyway(s) 160. The shank(s) 162 move from within the locking portion(s) 172 to within the insertion portion(s) 170 with the barb(s) 164 removed from the interference arrangement with the portion of the lip(s) 166 defining the locking portion(s) 172. The head 132 moves away from the trunk 134 such that the barb(s) 164 pass the lip(s) 166, and the keys(s) 158 may be considered disengaged from the keyway(s) 160. The cavity 152 of the head 132 may be accessible, and/or the manifold volume 130 of the trunk 134 may be accessed through a distal opening 190 at least partially defined by a neck 192 of the trunk 134, as shown in FIG. 4.

In certain implementations, the head 132 and the trunk 134 are rigidly connected through a suitable joining process, for example, spin welding, solvent bonding, adhesives, mechanical fastening, and the like. As previously mentioned, the housing 128 may be of unitary or monolithic construction such that there is no discrete head and trunk. Suitable manufacturing processes for forming the housing 128 may include injection molding, three-dimensional printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, polymer casting, vacuum forming, blow molding, among others. Suitable materials for forming the housing 128 may include polymers, composites, metals, ceramics, and combinations thereof. The materials include sufficient anticorrosive properties to avoid degradation when exposed to the waste material and sufficient mechanical properties to maintain integrity under the vacuum levels to be provided by the medical waste collection system 100. The polymers of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), polystyrene, polycarbonate, and poly(methyl methacrylate) may be particularly well suited for the manifold 124 in low-cost and disposable implementations.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the manifold 124 may include at least one valve 176 configured to prevent backflow from the manifold volume 130 to the inlet bore(s) 138. With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 15, the valve(s) 176 may be coupled to the head 132 and disposed within the cavity 152 of the head 132 that may define at least a portion of the manifold volume 130. In particular, the inner or proximal surface of the crown 136 may include a coupler 178, such as a protrusion extending proximally. The valve 176 shown in FIG. 15, includes a coupler 180 complementary to the coupler 178 of the head 132. The coupler 180 may be a slot disposed within a central hub 182 of the valve 176 and sized to engage the protrusion with an interference arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, a suitable joining process such as adhesives, mechanical fastening, and the like, may be used to couple the valve(s) 176 with the head 132.

The valve 176 may include a pair of flappers 184 coupled to the central hub 182 with flexible wings 186. The flexible wings 186 include a length sufficient to space each of the pair of flappers 184 from the central hub 182 by a distance equal to a distance between the coupler 178 of the head 132 and a corresponding pair of the inlet bores 138. The flappers 184 are sized to cover the inlet bores 138 with the flappers 184 being circular in shape as shown in FIG. 15. The valve 176 may be dimensioned to have a thickness significantly less than a width and a length of the valve 176, and the valve 176 may be formed with elastic material(s) such as a rubber or other polymers with suitable viscoelasticity. The dimensions and material(s) of the valve 176 are configured to facilitate resilient deformation about an axis transverse to the length of the valve 176. In other words, the dimensions and material(s) of the valve 176 are configured to facilitate the wings 186 resiliently deforming to permit movement of the flappers 184 in the proximal-to-distal direction. FIG. 15 shows the valve 176 in its natural or unstressed state. The flexible wings 186 may include at least one cutout 188 along the length with the cutout 188 configured to impart a living hinge about the aforementioned axis. FIG. 15 shows two of the cutouts 188 on opposing widthwise sides of the wings 186 with the axis considered to extend through apexes of the cutouts 188. The size and shape of the cutout(s) 188 may be designed to tune the flexural properties to the wings 186 based on a desired magnitude of movement of the flapper 184 under anticipated levels of vacuum provided by the vacuum pump 110.

During assembly of the manifold 124, the valve(s) 176 may be coupled to the housing 128, and more particularly to the head 132. The complementary couplers 178, 180 are engaged, and the valve(s) 176 are positioned directly adjacent or abutting the inner or proximal surface of the head 132. In particular, with the valve(s) 176 in the natural or unstressed state, the flappers 184 are abutting the inner or proximal surface of the head 132 and covering the inlet bores 138. With the manifold 124 inserted into the receiver 116 and with operation of the medical waste collection system 100, the vacuum is drawn on or through the manifold(s) 124 in fluid communication with the waste container(s) 106, 108. Should no cap 140 be sealing a respective one of the inlet bores 138 from fluid communication with the ambient, the vacuum drawn on or through the manifold 124 is sufficient to resiliently deform the wings 186 to permit movement of the flappers 184 in the proximal direction. In other words, the dimensions, the material(s), and/or the cutout(s) 188 of the valve(s) 176 facilitate flexing of the wings 186 and movement of the flappers 184 away from a proximal end of the inlet bore 138. The movement of the flappers 184 away from the proximal end of the inlet bore 138 establishes the suction path from the inlet bore 138 to the manifold volume 130, and thus to the waste container(s) 106, 108. Upon cessation of the vacuum drawn on or through the manifold 124, the valve(s) 176 return to the natural or unstressed state in which the wings 186 resiliently move the flappers 184 into abutment with the inner or proximal surface of the head 132 to cover and seal the proximal end of the inlet bores 138. The sealing of the proximal end of the inlet bores 138 prevent backflow from the manifold volume 130 to the inlet bores 138, and thus possible egress of the waste material through the inlet bores 138.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 16-18, the filter element 174 may be disposed within the manifold volume 130. The filter element 174, in a broadest sense, includes structures configured to capture or collect the semisolid or solid waste material entrained within the liquid waste material being drawn through the manifold 124 under the influence of the vacuum provided by the medical waste collection system 100. The filter element 174 may include a basket 206 including a base wall 194 and least one side 196 extending distally from the base wall 194 to define a mouth 198 opposite the base wall 194. Owing to geometry of the trunk 134 to be described within which the filter element 174 is at least partially disposed, the filter element 174 may correspondingly include an upper wall 200, a lower wall 202, and opposing sidewalls 204 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The opposing sidewalls 204 may extend between the upper and lower walls 200, 202, and each of the upper wall 200, the lower wall 202, and the opposing sidewalls 204 may extend distally from the base wall 194. The resulting arrangement may be considered the aforementioned basket 206 that is substantially square or rectangular in section. In certain implementations, the basket 206 may be substantially cylindrical in section, and other suitable shapes are contemplated. Further, the filter element 174 may be implemented as a foam or composite member configured to allow air to pass therethrough while capturing or collecting the semisolid or solid waste material. It should be appreciated that not all configurations of the manifold require use of the filter element 174, and manifold designs that do not include a filter element are contemplated. Further, the filter element 174 may be disposed in a location separate from the manifold volume 130 that is in fluid communication with the outlet opening 242 of the manifold 124.

The filter element 174 may include a brim 208 coupled to the basket 206. The brim 208 extends distally from the basket 206, and may extend radially outwardly from the mouth 198 of the basket 206. The brim 208 may include an outer diameter or dimension greater or larger than an outer diameter or dimension of the basket 206. With further reference to FIG. 4, a length of the basket 206 may be such that the basket 206 is disposed within a body portion 210 of the trunk 134, and a length of the brim 208 may be such that the brim 208 is disposed within the neck 192 of the trunk 134. A step 212 extends radially inward from an inner surface of the neck 192 and/or radially outward from an inner surface of the body portion 210 to define a transition between the neck 192 and the body portion 210. The neck 192 may include an inner diameter or inner dimension greater or larger than an inner diameter or inner dimension of the body portion 210. A flared wall 214 of the filter element 174 defining a transition between the basket 206 and is configured to be positioned adjacent to or in abutment with the step 212 of the trunk 134. The resulting arrangement includes the basket 206 being disposed within a portion of the manifold volume 130 defined by the body portion 210, and the brim 208 being disposed within a portion of the manifold volume 130 defined by the neck 192. Other suitable configurations are contemplated, for example, the basket 206 and/or the brim 208 may be disposed within the cavity 152 of the head 132 that may define a portion of the manifold volume 130. The brim 208 of the filter element 174 may be considered optional, and further shapes and configurations of the filter element 174 suitable for certain implementations of the manifold 124 are disclosed in commonly owned International Publication No. WO 2018/170233, filed Mar. 15, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

To facilitate coupling and locating the filter element 174 within the trunk 134, the filter element 174 may include at least one guide 216 and at least one centering hole 218. With continued reference to FIGS. 16-18 and further reference to FIG. 9, the guide(s) 216 may include a rail extending laterally outward from one of the opposing sidewalls 204 of the basket 206 and oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The rail may be sized and oriented to be slidably inserted within a complementary slot 220 defined between parallel railings 222 extending laterally inward from the inner surface of the body portion 210 of the trunk 134. FIGS. 9 and 17 show two rails extending laterally outward from the opposing sidewalls 204, and two complementary slots 220 extending laterally inward from opposing inner surfaces of the body portion 210. The guide(s) 216 include a proximal end near the base wall 194 of the basket 206, and a distal end adjacent or on the flared wall 214 of the brim 208. A laterally-outward taper 224 near the distal end of the guide(s) 216 may be configured to be in an interference arrangement with a complementary structure of the trunk 134 when the filter element 174 is fully seated within the manifold volume 130. The centering hole(s) 218 may be defined within the base wall 194 of the basket 206, as best shown in FIG. 17. The centering hole(s) 218 of FIG. 17 include two centering holes 218 that are cruciform in shape to function as a keyway for cruciform-shaped protrusions 226 extending distally from an inner surface of a proximal wall 228 of the trunk 134, as shown in FIG. 9. The cruciform shape is but one example, and other geometries are contemplated. It is further contemplated that the two centering holes 218 may have different shapes, and less or more than two centering holes 218 may be utilized in any suitable position on the base wall 194 of the basket 206. The two centering holes 218 are spaced apart from one another by a distance equal to a distance separating the two protrusions 226. The guide(s) 216 and the centering hole(s) 218 cooperate to ensure the filter element 174 is fully seated within the manifold volume 130 with minimal “play” (e.g., inadvertent proximal, distal, lateral, and/or rotational movement from component tolerances or the like). Further, the guide(s) 216 and the centering hole(s) 218, in view of their relative shapes, dimensions, and/or positions, may cooperate to prevent an unauthorized filter element from being coupled with the trunk 134, for example, during attempted reprocessing of the manifold 124. For example, the specific shape(s) of the centering hole(s) 218 may ensure that only genuine filter elements 174 are compatible, otherwise the protrusion(s) 226 prevent the unauthorized filter element from being fully seated within the trunk 134, and thereby further preventing the head 132 from being properly coupled to the trunk 134.

The apertures of the filter element 174 may be shaped as holes 230, pores 232, and/or slots 234, among others. The holes 230, the pores 232, and/or the slots 234 may be defined within any one or more of the base wall 194, the upper wall 200, the lower wall 202, the opposing sidewalls 204, the flared wall 214, and the brim 208. FIGS. 16-18 show the holes 230 defined within the base wall 194, the pores 232 defined within the upper wall 200, the lower wall 202, the flared wall 214, and the brim 208, and the slots 234 defined within the opposing sidewalls 204. The apertures—in type and position—are arranged in a manner to minimize clogging of the filter element 174. For example, the slots 234 defined within the opposing sidewalls 204 are positioned closer to the upper wall 200 than to the lower wall 202. As the semisolid or solid waste material is collected, it will accumulate on bottom of the basket 206 under the influence of gravity with subsequent flow of the waste material passing above the accumulation. Upon accumulation of sufficient amounts of the semisolid or solid waste material, it may be desirable for the waste material to encounter the slots 234, which have a smallest dimension approximately equal to the pores 232 (to capture the semisolid or solid waste material of the same size as the pores 232) with a greater or larger area of opening to permit greater volume flow through the slots 234. Further, the vertical arrangement of the slots 234 is transverse to the suction path and parallel to gravity. Thus, with further accumulation of the semisolid or solid waste material, at least a portion of the slots 234 remain unobstructed until substantially an entirety of the basket 206 is consumed with the waste material, thereby maximizing the operational lifecycle of the manifold 124.

The brim 208 may include at least one sidewall 236 extending between the flared wall 214 and a distal rim 238 of the filter element 174. The sidewall 236 may be considered a singular side that is cylindrical in shape, or plural sides arranged in any suitable geometry. A length of the sidewall 236 may be less than the basket 206, and the sidewall 236 may include the outer diameter or dimension greater or larger than the outer diameter or dimension of the basket 206. The sidewall 236 may include the pores 232, particularly by a lower portion of the sidewall 236 as show in FIG. 16. The sidewall 236 may further define at least one overfill opening 240 positioned on an upper portion of the sidewall 236. The overfill opening(s) 240 are configured to maximize the operational cycle of the manifold 124. As previously explained, as the semisolid or solid waste material is collected, it will accumulate on bottom of the basket 206 under the influence of gravity. Owing to the direction of the suction path (i.e., in the proximal direction), as the semisolid or solid waste material will accumulate on the base wall 194 of the basket 206. Should a sufficient amount of the semisolid or solid waste material be generated over the course of the surgical procedure, an entirety of the basket 206 may become consumed with the accumulated semisolid or solid waste material. In other words, most or all of the holes 230, the pores 232, and/or the slots 234 of the filter element 174 may become clogged with the semisolid or solid waste material. The overfill opening(s) 240 are sized and positioned to permit the suction path to be routed through the overfill opening(s) 240 and external to the basket 206. In other words, owing to understood principles of fluid dynamics where fluid assumes the path of least resistance, the suction path in the aforementioned scenario extends from the inlet bore(s) 138, through the head 132, through the overfill opening(s) 240, within the trunk 134 between the basket 206 and the inner surface of the trunk 134, and to the outlet opening 242 to be described. Further, the cavity 152 of the cap 140 defining a portion of the manifold volume 130 may afford additional volume distal to the filter element 174 for the accumulation of additional semisolid or solid waste material as the suction path is directed through the overfill opening(s) 240.

Certain features of the manifold 124 will now be introduced with reference to FIGS. 4, 8 and 10-14, and further described later in relation to complementary components of the receiver 116. The several views of FIGS. 4, 8, 11 and 12 show the manifold 124 oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116 (see also FIG. 3), and for convention the directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, above, below, etc.) are made with the manifold 124 in the insertion orientation. Further, the directional references made with the manifold 124 in the insertion orientation may be considered as being viewed in side elevation (e.g., FIGS. 11 and 12), and/or in view of the respective directional arrows identified of FIGS. 3, 4, 8, 19, 23, 41, 42, 44, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52, 54, 57, 59, 62 and 64.

The manifold 124 includes the housing 128. The housing 128 may define the manifold volume 130 and the outlet opening 242. The outlet opening 242 may be in fluid communication with the manifold volume 130. The outlet opening 242 may be defined by the trunk 134 of the housing 128. The housing 128 may include the body portion 210, a first leg 244, and/or a second leg 246. The first leg 244 and/or the second leg 246 may extend from the body portion 210, and more particularly one or both of the first and second legs 244, 246 may extend proximally from the body portion 210. Alternatively, the first leg 244 and/or the second leg 246 may extend proximally from the collar 168 positioned distal to the body portion 210, the first leg 244 may extend from the second leg 246, and/or the second leg 246 may extend from at least a portion of the first leg 244. The first leg 244 may be positioned above or below the second leg 246 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116.

The first and second legs 244, 246 may be spaced apart from one another to at least partially define a void 248, as best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 8 and the side elevation views of FIGS. 11 and 12. The void 248 may be at least partially defined between a lower aspect 250 of the second leg 246 and an upper aspect 252 of the first leg 244. The lower aspect 250 of the second leg 246 is shown as a wall generally extending between opposing sides of the second leg 246. In certain implementations, the lower aspect 250 may extend laterally by a lesser extent than shown, for example, where slots or other geometric features extend through the second leg 246. In certain implementations, a catch 254 to be further described may be a generally standalone structure (see, e.g., FIG. 64) such that the catch 254 and the first leg 244 define the void 248. For example, the second leg 246 with the catch 254 may be a narrower than shown in FIG. 6, and extend proximally from the body portion 210 and/or the first leg 244.

The body portion 210 may include a distal aspect 256, and the void 248 may be further defined by the distal aspect 256. The distal aspect 256 may extend between the first and second legs 244, 246 to define an extent of separation between the first and second legs 244, 246. More particularly, the distal aspect 256 may extend between the upper and lower aspects 250, 252 to define three sides of the void 248 that is slot-shaped. For example, FIG. 12 shows the distal aspect 256 as a generally vertically-oriented surface distally bounding the void 248 and generally defining a height of the void 248. The upper and lower aspects 250, 252 may be generally horizontally-oriented surfaces bounding the void 248 from above and below, respectively, and generally defining a depth of the void 248. Other sizes and/or shapes of the void 248 are contemplated. The first and/or second legs 244, 246 may be considered to extend from the distal aspect 256.

For convention, a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through a proximal-most point of the distal aspect 256 may be considered a boundary (B) separating the body portion 210 and the first and/or second legs 244, 246, as identified in FIG. 11. A portion of the housing 128, and more particularly the trunk 134, distal to the boundary (B) may be considered the body portion 210, and upper and lower portions of the housing 128, and more particularly the trunk 134, proximal to the boundary (B) may be considered the second and first legs 246, 244, respectively. It is understood that the distal aspect 256 may include curvature in the proximal-to-distal direction, and/or the upper aspect 252 of the first leg 244 may include curvature in the upper-to-lower direction to result in the geometry best shown in FIGS. 8 and 12. An interface 258 may extend between adjacent surfaces at least partially defining the body portion 210 and/or the first leg 244. The first and second legs 244, 246 may include a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the body portion 210 with the respective cross-sectional areas being in vertical planes perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction.

The housing 128 may include an upper wall 260, a lower wall 262, and opposing sides 264 extending between the upper and lower walls 260, 262. FIG. 8 includes a convention for delineating the upper wall 260, the lower wall 262, and the opposing sides 264. In particular, a boundary is shown in phantom to identify one of the opposing sides 264, and a same boundary on the other one of the opposing sides 264 may be assumed. An upper portion of the trunk 134 between the opposing sides 264 may be considered the upper wall 260, and a lower portion of the trunk 134 between the opposing sides 264 may be considered the lower wall 262. Likewise, the opposing sides 264 may extend between the upper and lower walls 260, 262. Another convention may include the opposing sides 264 being the exterior side surface(s) being generally vertically-oriented, the upper wall 260 being the exterior upper surface(s) being generally horizontally-oriented, and the lower wall 262 being the exterior lower surface(s) being generally horizontally-oriented. Still another convention for delineating the upper wall 260, the lower wall 262, and the opposing sides 264 of the housing 128 may be in relation to a complementary shape of the opening 118 of the receiver 116. FIG. 27 shows a lower housing 268 of the receiver 116 including a front elevation view of the opening 118 with four annotated markings intersecting the opening 118. The four annotated markings may be positioned at approximately the four corners of the opening 118 being generally square or rectangular in shape. The opening 118 may include and/or be defined by an upper segment 270 between an upper pair of the annotated markings, a lower segment 272 between a lower pair of the annotated markings (excluding a spine slot 277), and opposing side segments 274 between respective lateral pairs of the annotated markings (excluding arm slots 278 and recesses 279). The upper wall 260 of the housing 128 may be considered any surface(s) that are positioned towards, near, or adjacent the upper segment 270 when the manifold 124 is inserted within the opening 118, lower wall 262 of the housing 128 may be considered any surface(s) that are positioned towards, near, or adjacent the lower segment 272 when the manifold 124 is inserted within the opening 118, and sides 264 of the housing 128 may be considered any surface(s) that are positioned towards, near, or adjacent the side segments 274 when the manifold 124 is inserted within the opening 118. Other conventions are contemplated, and it is to be appreciated that owing to the shape and features of the manifold 124, the shape of the opening 118, and the features of the receiver 116, manifolds compatible with the receiver 116 may include discernable upper and lower walls and sides. It is understood that potentially trivial changes in the illustrated geometries may be included without deviating from the above conventions.

Returning to FIG. 8, the opposing sides 264 and the lower wall 262 may cooperate to form at least a portion of the first leg 244, and the opposing sides 264 and the upper wall 260 may cooperate to form at least a portion of the second leg 246. A tubulate wall 280 at least partially defining the first leg 244 may include the upper aspect 252, the opposing sides 264, and the lower wall 262. The second leg 246 may include the lower aspect 250, the opposing sides 264, the upper wall 260, and a base wall 281. An interior of the second leg 246 formed by the lower aspect 250, the opposing sides 264, the upper wall 260, and the base wall 281 may define a cavity (not identified) such that the second leg 246 is hollow. The cavity may define at least a portion of the manifold volume 130, and thus may be in fluid communication with the outlet opening 242. In certain implementations, the second leg 246 is at least substantially solid, or closed to a remainder of the manifold volume 130. In such an arrangement, the second leg 246 may not define a portion of the manifold volume 130. The base wall 281 may define a proximal end of the manifold 124. It is contemplated that, in certain implementations, the housing 128 may include a third leg, a fourth leg, a fifth leg, or more legs extending from the collar 168 and/or the body portion 210.

The housing 128 may include a rim 276 defining the outlet opening 242. The rim 276 may be disposed on the first leg 244, and more particularly at or near a proximal end of the first leg 244. In one convention, the rim 276 may be considered a proximally-directed surface at the proximal end of the first leg 244. In another convention, the rim 276 may be a three-dimensional structure including a depth extending from the proximal end of the first leg 244. For example, FIGS. 8 and 11 show a step 283 extending radially inward from a tubulate wall 280 at least partially defining the first leg 244 with the rim 276 extending proximally from the step 283. FIG. 12 includes a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the rim 276, identified as (R), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the rim 276 to be further referenced. The rim 276 may include a width greater or larger than a height such that the outlet opening 242 is non-circular. The tubulate wall 280 may also include a width greater or larger than a height, and the dimensions of the rim 276 may be approximately equal to the dimensions of the tubulate wall 280 such that the outlet opening 242 is complementarily shaped to approximate a cross section of the first leg 244. Alternatively, the rim 276 may have a cross sectional area different than that of the first leg 244. The rim 276 may be configured to be coupled with a seal 282 to be described.

The manifold 124 includes at least one arm 284 extending outwardly from the housing 128. A pair of arms 284 are referenced throughout the present disclosure, but it is appreciated that a singular arm may be provided. FIGS. 8 and 11-13 show the arms 284 as elongate rib-like structures in the proximal-to-distal direction and including a width greater or larger than a thickness. In certain implementations, the arms 284 may not be elongate in the proximal-to-distal direction but rather, for example, a square- or cylindrical-shaped post extending outwardly from the housing 128. The arm(s) 284 may be integrally formed with the housing 128, formed separately and fixed directly to the housing 128, or coupled to the housing 128 through an intermediate structure.

The arms 284 may extend outwardly from at least one of the body portion 210 and the first leg 244. In other words, the arms 284 may extend away from the manifold volume 130. With particular reference to FIG. 11, at least a portion of the arms 284 (one shown) extend outwardly from the body portion 210, with a proximal end of the arms 284 optionally near the boundary (B) between the body portion 210 and the first leg 244. Alternatively, the proximal end of the arms 284 may not adjacent or near the boundary between the body portion 210 and the first leg 244. With the interface 258 between the body portion 210 and the first leg 244 distally-sloping, it may be considered that a portion of the arms 284 extend outwardly from the body portion 210, and another portion of the arms 284 extend outwardly from the first leg 244. Further, the arms 284 may extend outwardly from the opposing sides 264 of the housing 128, and more particularly extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264. As used herein, the term “lateral” or “laterally” may refer to a direction perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction, and/or a direction towards or away from the opposing sides 264 of the manifold 124. Alternatively, the arms 284 may extend from the housing 128 in other manners, and not necessarily in the outward direction. The arms 284 may be sized and shaped to movably be inserted through arm slots 278 at least partially defining the opening 118 of the receiver 116 (see FIGS. 25-27). A width of the arms 284 may be less than a width of the arm slots 278, and the arms 284 may be angled relative to an adjacent aspect of the housing 128 so as to be substantially horizontal when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver 116. The arms 284 may be of any suitable length, and it is understood that the arms 284 may extend from the body portion 210 and/or the first leg 244. It should be appreciated that not all configurations of the manifold 124 require use of the arm(s) 284, and manifold designs that do not include arms are contemplated.

The arms 284 each include a proximally-directed surface 286. The proximally-directed surface 286 is configured to engage a sled assembly 288 of the receiver 116 (see FIG. 33) during insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 to facilitate moving the receiver 116, and components thereof, between operative positions to be described. The proximally-directed surfaces 286 may be positioned distal to the boundary (B) of FIG. 11, and hence in such a convention, the arms 284 are extending laterally outward from only the body portion 210. FIG. 12 includes a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the proximally-directed surfaces 286, identified as (A), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284. The proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may be positioned distal to the rim 276, and thus the rim 276 may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286 (i.e., plane A is distal to plane R, and plane R is proximal to plane A).

The manifold 124 includes the catch 254 previously introduced with a pair of catches 254 to be described. It should be appreciated that a singular catch may be provided, and manifold designs that do not include the catch(es) are contemplated. The catches 254 may be defined by the housing 128, and more particularly by the trunk 134. The catches 254 may be disposed on the second leg 246, as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-12. The catches 254 may be positioned adjacent or within the portions of the opposing sides 264 defining the second leg 246, and/or the catches 254 may be laterally spaced apart from one another by the lower aspect 250 of the second leg 246. The catches 254 may be integrally formed with the housing 128, formed separately and fixed directly to the housing 128, or coupled to the housing 128 through an intermediate structure.

The rim 276 and at least one of the catches 254 may be spaced apart from one another by the void 248. More particularly, the rim 276 on the first leg 244 may be spaced apart from the catches 254 on the second leg 246 by the void 248. In other words, the rim 276 may be on a first or lower side of the void 248, and the catches 254 may be on a second or upper side of the void 248 opposite the first or upper side. Further, the rim 276 is positioned below the catches 254 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116, as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Each of the catches 254 includes a distally-directed surface 290. The distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 are configured to be engaged by claws 292 of the sled assembly 288 of the receiver 116 (see FIG. 36) during insertion and removal of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 to facilitate moving the receiver 116 between operative positions to be described. The distally-directed surfaces 290 may be positioned proximal to the boundary (B) of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 includes a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the distally-directed surfaces 290, identified as (C), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of catches 254. The distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 may be positioned proximal to the rim 276, and thus the rim 276 may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290 (i.e., plane C is proximal to plane R, and plane R is distal to plane C). Further, the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284, and thus the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290 (i.e., plane C is proximal to plane A, and plane A is distal to plane C).

In certain implementations, the catch(es) 254 may be a hook-like structure including the distally-directed surface 290 along a bend of the hook-like structure, and further include opposing upper and lower aspects 293, 294 separated by a gap 296. The upper and lower aspects 293, 294 may generally be horizontally-oriented surfaces bounding the gap 296 from above and below, respectively, and generally defining a width of the gap 296. The width of the gap 296 may be at least equal to a thickness of the claws 292. In certain implementations, the catch(es) 254 may further include a laterally-directed surface 298 such that the catches 254 are shaped as a recess within the housing 128. The laterally-directed surfaces 298 may generally be vertically-oriented surfaces and further bounding the gap 296. Other constructions of the catches 254 are contemplated, namely any suitable structure disposed on the body portion 210 and/or the second leg 246 that includes the distally-directed surfaces 290 suitable to be engaged by claws 292 of the sled assembly 288. For example, each of the catches may be configured as a protrusion extending from the collar 168, the body portion 210, the first leg 244, and/or the second leg 246, with the protrusion having the distally-directed surface 290 positioned as described above. If more than one catch 254 is included, the catches 254 may vary in design from one another, including variance in shape and/or position. In other words, the catches 254 need not assume the aforementioned hook-like structure, but rather may be any suitable structure having the distally-directed surfaces 290.

The manifold 124 may include a spine 300 extending outwardly from the housing 128. FIGS. 8 and 11-13 show the spine 300 as an elongate structure in the proximal-to-distal direction and including a width greater or larger than a thickness. In certain implementations, the spine 300 may not be elongate in the proximal-to-distal direction but rather, for example, a square- or a cylindrical-shaped post extending outwardly from the housing 128. The spine 300 may be integrally formed with the housing 128, formed separately and fixed directly to the housing 128, or coupled to the housing 128 through an intermediate structure.

The spine 300 may extend outwardly from at least one of the body portion 210, the first leg 244, and/or the second leg 246. In other words, the spine 300 may extend away from the manifold volume 130. With particular reference to FIG. 11, the spine 300 extends outwardly from the housing 128 distal to the boundary (B) such that the spine 300 extends outwardly from the body portion 210. Further, the spine 300 may extend outwardly from the bottom wall 262 of the trunk 134, and more particularly extend downwardly from the bottom wall 262. Alternatively, the spine 300 may extend from the housing 128 in other manners, and not necessarily in the outward direction. A width of the spine 300 may be less than a width of the spine slots 277 (see FIGS. 25-28), and the spine 300 may be oriented substantially vertically when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver 116. The spine 300 may extend distally to a position adjacent the collar 168, as best shown in FIG. 13, or to a distal position spaced apart from the collar 168. In other words, various lengths of the spine 300 are contemplated. It should be appreciated that not all configurations of the manifold require use of the spine 300, and manifold designs that do not include a spine are contemplated.

The spine 300 includes a proximally-directed surface 302. FIG. 12 includes a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through a proximal end of the proximally-directed surface 302, identified as (S), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300. The proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 may be positioned distal to the rim 276, and thus the rim 276 may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface 302 (i.e., plane S is distal to plane R, and plane R is proximal to plane S). Further, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254, and thus the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface 302 (i.e., plane S is distal to plane C, and plane C is proximal to plane S). Still further, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 may be positioned distal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284, and thus the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface 302 (i.e., plane S is distal to plane A, and plane A is proximal to plane S). In certain implementations, the proximally-directed surface 302 is a ramped surface tapering towards the lower wall 262 of the housing 128 in the proximal direction to define a proximal end of the spine 300. Alternatively, the proximally-directed surface 302 may assume other shapes, for example, having a surface orthogonal to the trunk 134. The spine 300 is configured to engage a sled lock assembly 304 of the receiver 116 (see FIG. 35) during insertion and removal of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 to facilitate moving the receiver 116, and components thereof, between the operative positions to be described.

The manifold 124 includes at least one lock element 306 extending outwardly from the housing 128. A pair of lock elements 306 are referenced throughout the present disclosure, but it is appreciated that a singular lock element may be provided, and manifold designs that do not include a lock element are contemplated. FIGS. 8 and 11-13 show each of the lock elements 306 as sharing the elongate structure as a respective one of the arms 284. In particular, the lock elements 306 each may include a distally-directed surface 308 at a distal end of the elongate structure opposite the proximally-directed surface 286 of the arms 284. The lock elements 306 may be at least substantially coplanar with the arms 284 in the proximal-to-distal direction. In certain implementations, the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 may be disposed on a separate structure than the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284. For example, a second elongate structure may be provided in the proximal-to-distal direction and including a width greater or larger than a thickness. In other words, a slot or void may separate the lock elements 306 from the arms 284. In certain implementations, the lock elements 306 may not be elongate in the proximal-to-distal direction but rather, for example, a square- or cylindrical-shaped post extending outwardly from the housing 128 to define the distally-directed surface 308 described above. The lock elements 306 may be integrally formed with the housing 128, formed separately and fixed directly to the housing 128, or coupled to the housing 128 through an intermediate structure.

The lock elements 306 may extend outwardly from at least one of the body portion 210 and the first leg 244. In other words, the lock elements 306 may extend away from the manifold volume 130. The lock elements 306 may be positioned distal to the boundary (B) of FIG. 11, and hence in the introduced convention the lock elements 306 extend laterally outward from only the body portion 210. The lock elements 306 may extend outwardly from the opposing sides 264 of the housing 128, and more particularly extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264. Alternatively, the lock elements 306 may extend from the housing 128 in other manners, and not necessarily in the outward direction. The lock elements 306 may be sized and shaped to movably be inserted through the arm slots 278 at least partially defining the opening 118 of the receiver 116 (see FIGS. 25-27). A width of the lock elements 306 may be less than a width of the arm slots 278, and the lock elements 306 may be angled relative to an adjacent aspect of the housing 128 so as to be substantially horizontal when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver 116. Other constructions of the lock elements 306 are contemplated, for example, any suitable structure disposed on the body portion 210, the first leg 244, and/or the second leg 246 that includes the distally-directed surfaces 308. For example, a prong that is separate from the body portion 210 and/or the first and second legs 244, 246, and extending from the collar 168 may define the distally-directed surfaces 308.

The distally-directed surfaces 308 are configured to engage a locking assembly 310 of the receiver 116 (see FIGS. 39 and 40) after insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 to selectively prevent distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116. FIG. 12 includes a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the distally-directed surfaces 308, identified as (L), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the lock elements 306. The distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 may be positioned distal to the rim 276, and thus the rim 276 may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308 (i.e., plane L is distal to plane R, and plane R is proximal to plane L). Further, the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254, and thus the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308 (i.e., plane L is distal to plane C, and plane C is proximal to plane L). Still further, the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 may be positioned distal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284, and thus the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308 (i.e., plane L is distal to plane A, and plane A is proximal to plane L). Still yet further, the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 may be positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300, and thus the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308 (i.e., plane L is distal to plane S, and plane S is proximal to plane L). The relative positioning in the proximal-to-distal direction of each of the rim 276, the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284, the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300, and/or the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 are advantageously tuned to facilitate precise operative timing of complementary components of the receiver 116 as the manifold 124 is inserted within the receiver 116.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the shape and/or radial position of the outlet opening 242 is configured to, among other advantages, maximize volume flow of the waste material through the manifold 124 in view of gravity and the insertion orientation of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116. As previously mentioned, the rim 276 may include a width greater or larger than a height such that the outlet opening 242 is non-circular. In certain implementations, the outlet opening 242 may be oblong and defined by the rim 276 including an upper segment 312, a lower segment 314 opposite the upper segment 312, and opposing side segments 316 extending between the upper and lower segments 312, 314. The upper segment 312, the lower segment 314, and/or the opposing side segments 316 may be arcuate or planar in shape. Alternatively, the outlet opening 242 may have a shape that is at least substantially circular, for example, as described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,037, issued Nov. 10, 2009, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The width of the outlet opening 242 may be defined between opposing lateral-most points, and the height of the outlet opening 242 may be defined between an uppermost point opposite a lowermost point with the points annotated in FIG. 10. Vertical and horizontal planes in the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through each of the opposing lateral-most points, the uppermost point, and the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242, respectively, are labelled (S_(oo)), (U_(oo)), and (L_(oo)), respectively. The opposing side segments 316 may be oriented such that the opposing lateral-most points of the outlet opening 242 are at intersections between the upper segment 312 and each of the opposing side segments 316. The intersections between the lower segment 314 and each of the opposing side segments 316 may be spaced laterally inward relative to the intersections between the upper segment 312 and each of the opposing side segments 316, resulting in the shape at least similar to that shown in FIG. 10. With the upper and lower segments 312 being arcuate in shape and defining concave surfaces oriented towards one another, the uppermost point and the lowermost point may be at midpoints of the upper and lower segments 312, respectively. The vertical plane in the proximal-to-distal direction and bifurcating the outlet opening 242 may be a plane of symmetry (PS). The plane of symmetry (PS) may be equidistant from each of the opposing lateral-most points, and further may intersect the uppermost and lowermost points. The outlet opening 242 may be symmetrical about the plane of symmetry (PS), but not symmetrical about a horizontal plane in the proximal-to-distal direction and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (PS).

FIG. 10 shows the outlet opening 242 positioned entirely within a lower half of the manifold 124 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. During operation of the medical waste collection system 100, the waste material may descend towards the outlet opening 242 under the influence of gravity. Yet, relative to, for example, a circular opening positioned entirely within the lower half, the volume flow achievable through the outlet opening 242 at a given vacuum level may be sufficiently enhanced. Similarly, a circular opening capable of achieving the volume flow at a given vacuum level on par with the outlet opening 242 of the manifold 124 would otherwise require the circular opening assume nearly an entirety of the proximal end of the manifold. The outlet opening 242 of the manifold 124 addresses the aforementioned technical challenges.

In certain implementations previously described, the arms 284 extend outwardly from the trunk 134 of the housing 128, extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264 of the housing 128, and/or extend from the housing 128 more generally, such as from the collar 168. With continued reference to FIG. 10, the arms 284 may be disposed on a horizontal plane in the proximal-to-distal direction that intersects the outlet opening 242. The arms 284 each may include a laterally-directed surface 318 that cooperate to define a width that is greater or larger than the width of the rim 276 and the outlet opening 242. FIG. 10 shows vertical planes in the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the laterally-directed surfaces 318, identified as (A), indicative of lateral positions of the arms 284. In other words, in the illustrated configuration, the laterally-directed surfaces 318 of the arms 284 are positioned farther from the plane of symmetry (PS) than the respective lateral-most points of the outlet opening 242 (i.e., the planes (A) are at a greater distance from the plane of symmetry (PS) than the planes S_(oo)). Likewise, the lock elements 306 may extend outwardly from the trunk 134 of the housing 128, and/or extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264 of the housing 128. The lock elements 306 may also be disposed on a horizontal plane in the proximal-to-distal direction that intersects the outlet opening 242. The lock elements 306 each may include a laterally-directed surface that cooperate to define a width that is greater or larger than the width of the rim 276 and the outlet opening 242. In the illustration of FIG. 10, the laterally-directed surfaces of the lock elements 306 may be coplanar with the laterally-directed surfaces 318 of the arms 284 (i.e., plane A). Alternatively, the lock elements 306 may extend outwardly from the trunk 134 of the housing 128, and/or extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264 of the housing 128 to a greater or lesser extent than the arms 284.

The catches 254 (identified in phantom in FIG. 10) may be positioned in an upper half of the manifold 124 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The catches 254 may be positioned above the uppermost point of the outlet opening 242. Further, the laterally-directed surfaces 298 of the catches 254 may cooperate to define a width that is less than the width of the rim 276 and the outlet opening 242. FIG. 10 shows vertical planes in the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the laterally-directed surfaces 298, identified as (C), indicative of lateral positions of the catches 254. In other words, the laterally-directed surfaces 298 of the catches 254 are positioned nearer to the plane of symmetry (PS) than the respective lateral-most points of the outlet opening 242 (i.e., the planes C are at a lesser distance from the plane of symmetry (PS) than the planes S_(oo)).

The spine 300 may be positioned in the lower half of the manifold 124 when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The spine 300 may be positioned below the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242. Further, the spine 300 may be coplanar with the plane of symmetry (PS). FIG. 10 shows a horizontal plane in the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through a downward-directed surface 320 of the spine 300, identified as (S), indicative of a downward position of the spine 300. In other words, the downward-directed surface 320 of the spine 300 is positioned below the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242 (i.e., the plane S is below the plane L_(oo)).

The rim 276 is configured to be coupled with the seal 282 of the manifold 124. As to be described, the seal 282 may provide a face seal with a complementary sealing surface 322 of an inlet mechanism 324 including the suction inlet 266 (see FIGS. 29 and 56-60), and/or may provide a radial seal with a suction fitting 326 defining the suction inlet 266 (see FIGS. 29 and 56-60). The seal(s) may be considered an interface between the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 to preserve suction across the interface. In certain implementations, with the suction fitting 326 configured to extend through the seal 282 to within the manifold volume 130, the radial seal may reduce or prevent egress of the waste material around the suction fitting 326 penetrating the seal 282. The seal 282 may be of unitary or monolithic construction, or a multi-piece component. The seal 282 may be formed of a polymeric material with suitable hardness and resiliency, for example, a rubber or plastic having a Shore A Hardness within the range of approximately 20 to 90 durometers, and more particularly within the range of approximately 35 to 75 durometers, and even more particularly within the range of approximately 50 to 60 durometers.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-22, the seal 282 may include an outer seal rim 328 and an inner seal rim 330 spaced apart from the outer seal rim 328 to define a groove 332. The groove 332 is shaped complementary to the shape of the rim 276, and the groove 332 is sized to snugly receive the rim 276 such that the seal 282 and the trunk 134 are coupled to one another via interference engagement. Among other advantages, the interference engagement may permit external coupling of the seal 282 for ease during assembly of the manifold 124, and further may provide improved retention of the seal 282 on the rim 276 as the suction fitting 326 penetrates the seal 282 in a manner to be described. The aforementioned advantages may be realized in a single-piece seal of unitary or monolithic construction without additional components such as retention rings, clips, and the like. It is contemplated that solvent bonding, adhesive, or the like, may be utilized to supplement the interference engagement. The seal 282 may also be secured to the rim 276 without including the groove 332.

The outer seal rim 328 may include an inwardly tapered surface 334, and the inner seal rim 330 may include an outwardly tapered surface 336. Owing to the resiliency of the seal 282, the tapered surfaces 334, 336 cooperate to guide the rim 276 of the housing 128 into the groove 332 during assembly. As best shown in FIG. 19, a proximal end or edge of the inner seal rim 330 is positioned distal to a proximal end or edge of the outer seal rim 328. A depth of the outer seal rim 328 in the proximal-to-distal direction may be approximately equal to a depth of the first leg 244 proximal to the step 283 (see FIGS. 8 and 11). A thickness of the outer seal rim 328 may be approximately equal to a size of the step 283. With the seal 282 coupled to the rim 276, an outer surface of the outer seal rim 328 is substantially flush with the tubulate wall 280 at least partially defining the first leg 244 (see FIGS. 8 and 58). The arrangement may include an upper aspect of the outer seal rim 328 spaced apart from the second leg 246 and at least partially defining the void 248.

The inner seal rim 330 may include a lip 340 extending radially outwardly. The lip 340 may include the outwardly tapered surface 336 previously introduced, and a retention surface 342 that is proximally-directed. A depth of the inner seal rim 330 in the proximal-to-distal direction may be defined between a proximal face 344 at least partially defining the groove 332 and the retention surface 342 with the depth of the inner seal rim 330 approximately equal to a distance between the rim 276 and an interior step 338 within the first leg 244, as shown in FIG. 8. With the seal 282 coupled to the rim 276, the retention surface 342 may flex outwardly to be positioned distal and adjacent to the interior step 338 of the housing 128. The interference engagement between the retention surface 342 and the interior step 338 may facilitate the improved retention of the seal 282 on the rim 276, particularly as the suction fitting 326 is removed from within the seal 282 in a manner to be described.

The seal 282 may include a sealing surface 346. The sealing surface 346 may be disposed on the outer seal rim 328 and define a proximal-most surface of the seal 282. The sealing surface 346 is configured to provide the aforementioned face seal with the sealing surface 322 of the inlet mechanism 324 (see FIG. 58). The seal 282 may include a seal body 348 shaped to cover the outlet opening 242, and more particularly the non-circular outlet opening 242. The seal body 348 may include a width greater or larger than a height with the width and height generally corresponding to the width and height of the outlet opening 242, respectively. The seal body 348 may include at least one flap 350 configured to deflect with insertion of the suction fitting 326 through an aperture 352 at least partially defining the flap 350. FIGS. 19-21 show the aperture 352 as a slit extending laterally through the seal body 348 to define a pair of flaps 350. With insertion of the suction fitting 326 through the slit, the suction fitting 326 urges an upper one of the flaps 350 to deflect upwardly, and a lower one of the flaps 350 to deflect downwardly. Other suitable configurations are contemplated, for example, two slits in a cruciform arrangement to define four flaps that are generally triangular in shape.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the outer seal rim 328 may at least partially define a cavity 354. The cavity 354 may be at least partially defined by an inner surface 356 of the outer seal rim 328. The inner surface 356 may be positioned distal to the sealing surface 346 such that the seal body 348 may be considered recessed within the seal 282 relative to the sealing surface 346. The cavity 354 may be further defined by a radial sealing surface 358. The radial sealing surface 358 may be oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction and sized to slidably and snugly receive the suction fitting 326 of the inlet mechanism 324. The radial sealing surface 358 may be positioned radially inwardly from the inner surface 356 such that the cavity 354 may include an annular pocket 360. The flaps 350, the annular pocket 360, the radial sealing surface 358, and the sealing surface 346 individually or collectively may reduce or prevent the egress of the waste material from the manifold volume 130 when the suction fitting 326 is penetrating the seal body 348 and a vacuum is being drawn through the manifold volume 130 during operation of the medical waste collection system 100. Owing to the resiliency of the flaps 350, the flaps 350 generally conform to an outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 (see FIG. 58). The flaps 350 may reduce or prevent the egress of the waste material through the aperture 352. Should any waste material egress between the aperture 352 and the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326, the waste material, no longer influenced by the vacuum, may descend under the influence of gravity to be collected in the annular pocket 360. The radial sealing surface 358 may prevent the egress of the waste material collected in the annular pocket 360, or otherwise prevent egress of the waste material between the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 and the seal 282. The sealing surface 346 may be in abutment with the sealing surface 322 of the inlet mechanism 324, and the aforementioned face seal may further prevent egress of the waste material. The seal 282 may advantageously provide at least four mechanisms by which the egress of the waste material is reduced or prevented.

The seal 282 may include a tapered surface 364 extending between the sealing surface 346 and the radial sealing surface 358. Owing to the relatively close tolerances between the radial sealing surface 358 and the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326, the tapered surface 364 may guide the suction fitting 326 into the cavity 354 during insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-25, the receiver 116 includes the lower housing 268 previously introduced, and an upper housing 366 coupled to the lower housing 268. The lower and upper housings 268, 366 cooperate to define a receiver volume 368 in fluid communication with the opening 118. The receiver volume 368 is sized to removably receive at least a portion of the manifold 124. The lower housing 268 may include a base 370, opposing sides 372 extending upwardly from the base 370, and a rear wall 374 extending upwardly from the base 370 and extending between the opposing sides 372. The lower housing 268 may further define the opening 118. A crown 376 opposite the rear wall 374 may be coupled to the opposing sides 372 and/or the base 370 opposite the rear wall 374 to collectively define a cavity 378 that is box-shaped. The crown 376 defines the opening 118 that is in fluid communication with the cavity 378, and the cavity 378 may be considered a portion of the receiver volume 368. The crown 376 may include a brim 380 flaring radially outwardly in the distal direction. The brim 380 may be positioned external the medical waste collection system 100 so as to be visible to the user. The brim 380 may be shaped at least similar to a frustum of a cone and configured to guide the proximal end of the manifold 124 towards the opening 118 as the manifold 124 is readied to be inserted into the receiver 116. The brim 380 may define a recess 382 shaped to accommodate at least a portion of a tongue 384 of the locking assembly 310 to be described.

With continued reference to FIG. 23, the upper housing 366 may include a faceplate 388 defining a semicircular cutout contoured to an upper portion of the brim 380. With the upper housing 366 coupled to the lower housing 268, the faceplate 388 of the upper housing 366 and a faceplate 390 of the lower housing 268 are in a planar arrangement so as to be flush with one another. The faceplates 388, 390 may be arranged at an angle relative to vertical, for example, oriented proximally in the proximal direction, so as to be contoured to a complementary exterior surface of the medical waste collection system 100. Alternatively, the faceplates 388, 390 may be vertical or in any other suitable orientation. A first barrier 392 may be coupled to the upper housing 366 and configured to selectively cover at least most of the opening 118 when the manifold 124 is in the decoupled configuration. Alternatively, the first barrier may 392 be pivotably coupled to another suitable structure of the receiver 116, for example, the lower housing 268. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the first barrier 392 may be pivotably coupled to the upper housing 366 with a pin 394 extending through an upper coupler 400 of the first barrier 392, and extending laterally between opposing recesses within an underside of the upper housing 366. A biasing element 396, for example, a torsion spring, may be coupled to the first barrier 392 and the upper housing 366 with the biasing element 396 configured to urge the first barrier 392 to a closed configuration in which a front surface 398 of the first barrier 392 is substantially flush with the crown 376 defining the opening 118. A front surface 402 of the upper coupler 400 may be positioned proximal to the front surface 398 of the first barrier 392 such that, in the closed configuration, the front surface 402 abuts an inner surface of the crown 376 with the front surface 398 of the first barrier 392 substantially flush with an outer surface of the crown 376. The first barrier 392 is configured to move from the closed configuration to an open configuration in which the first barrier 392 is pivoted about the pin 394 against the biasing element 396. For example, during insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116, the base wall 281 of the manifold 124 contacts and urges the front surface 398 in a proximal direction to impart pivoting of the first barrier 392 about the pin 394 (see FIGS. 41-43). With the manifold 124 at least partially inserted into the receiver 116, the first barrier 392 may be disposed adjacent the upper wall 200 of the trunk 134. It is readily appreciated from FIG. 25 that a slight gap may exist between the first barrier 392 and the opening 118, and thus the first barrier 392 may not be configured to meaningfully prevent egress of the waste material. The first barrier 392 may provide a visual obstruction to the manifold volume 130, which may include residual amounts of the waste material from a previous medical procedure. The first barrier 392 may or may not be locked in the closed configuration prior to insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116.

The receiver 116 may define a receiver outlet 404. The receiver outlet 404 may be defined within the base 370 of the lower housing 268. The receiver outlet 404 may be in fluid communication with a respective one of the waste containers 106, 108 to which the receiver 116 is coupled. In a manner to be described in greater detail, the inlet mechanism 324 previously introduced may prevent fluid communication between the receiver outlet 404 and the receiver volume 368 until the manifold 124 is in the fully inserted operative position, after which the receiver outlet 404 is in fluid communication with the manifold volume 130 of the manifold 124 (via the inlet mechanism 324).

FIGS. 29-32 show the inlet mechanism 324 including the suction fitting 326 defining the suction inlet 266. The inlet mechanism 324 may include a housing 406 defining a passageway 408 between the suction inlet 266 and a suction outlet 410 defined within a base 412 of the inlet mechanism 324. The suction fitting 326 extends distally from the housing 406 adjacent to the sealing surface 322. The passageway 408 may include a first portion extending through the suction fitting 326 and at least a portion the housing 406, and a second portion extending from the first portion to the suction outlet 410. The first and second portions of the passageway 408 may be arranged at least substantially perpendicular to one another, in particular with the first portion arranged in the proximal-to-distal direction and the second portion arranged in the upper-to-lower direction. The inlet mechanism 324 is movably disposed within the cavity 378 of the lower housing 268, and movement of the inlet mechanism 324 selectively provides or prevents fluid communication between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404.

In certain implementations, the suction fitting 326 is configured to penetrate the seal 282 to be at least partially positioned within the first leg 244 of the manifold 124. The suction fitting 326 may include the outer surface 362 tapering radially outward in the proximal direction away from the suction inlet 266. The outward taper may facilitate improved sealing between the suction inlet 266 and the seal 282, and more particularly, between outer surface 362 and the flaps 350 and the radial sealing surface 358. With the suction fitting 326 penetrating the seal 282, fluid communication is provided between the manifold volume 130 and the suction outlet 410.

The inlet mechanism 324 includes a first support element 414 and/or a second support element 416 each configured to facilitate positioning the manifold 124 within the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position, and/or support the manifold 124 in the fully inserted operative position. The first support element 414 may be coupled to the housing 406 and extend distally from the housing 406. The first support element 414 may include a lower surface 418 opposite an upper surface 420. With concurrent reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the lower surface 418 may be arcuate in shape and contoured to the upper aspect 252 of the first leg 244. Further, the lower surface 418 may be spaced apart from the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 by a distance at least equal to a thickness of the upper aspect 252 of the tubulate wall 280 at least partially defining the first leg 244. Additionally or alternatively, the lower surface 418 may be spaced apart from the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 by a distance at least equal to a thickness of the outer seal rim 328 of the seal 282. A thickness of the first support element 414 defined between the lower and upper surfaces 418, 420 may be less than a thickness of the void 248 defined between the first and second legs 244, 246, and more particularly the distance between the upper aspect 252 of the first leg 244 and the lower aspect 250 of the second leg 246. Still further, a depth of the first support element 414 may be defined between a distal edge 422 and the sealing surface 322, and the depth may be less than or equal to a depth of the void 248 defined between the length of the upper and lower aspects 250, 252 bounding the void 248 from above and below, respectively. Still yet further, the distal edge 422 of the first support element 414 may be arcuate in shape in the proximal-to-distal direction and contoured to the distal aspect 256 extending between the first and second legs 244, 246 and at least partially defining the void 248. When the manifold 124 is inserted into the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative positive, the above arrangement results in the first support element 414 being seated or nestled within the void 248 with the seal 282 in engagement with at least one of the sealing surfaces 322, 362 of the inlet mechanism 324. In other words, the first support element 414 facilitates ensuring that the manifold 124 is inserted to a proper insertion depth within the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position. The first support element 414 may further support the manifold 124 to minimize movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 when in the fully inserted operative position.

The second support element 416 may be coupled to the housing 406 and extend distally from the housing 406. The second support element 416 may be positioned opposite the first support element 414 relative to the suction fitting 326. The second support element 416 may include a lower surface 424 opposite an upper surface 426. At least the upper surface 426 may be arcuate in shape and contoured to the first leg 244. The upper surface 426 may be spaced apart from the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 by a distance at least equal to a thickness of a lower aspect of the tubulate wall 280 at least partially defining the first leg 244. Additionally or alternatively, the upper surface 426 may be spaced apart from the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 by a distance at least equal to a thickness of the outer seal rim 328 of the seal 282. Further, a thickness of the second support element 416 defined between the lower and upper surfaces 424, 426 may be less than a thickness of the spine 300, and more particularly a distance between the lower aspect of the tubulate wall 280 and the downwardly-directed surface 320 of the spine 300 (see FIG. 11). When the manifold 124 is inserted into the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position, the above arrangement results in the second support element 416 being adjacent to the lower aspect of the first leg 244 and positioned in the proximal-to-distal direction between the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 and the rim 276. The second support element 416 may cooperate with the first support element 414 to facilitate ensuring that the manifold 124 is inserted to a proper insertion depth within the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position. The second support element 416 may further support the manifold 124 to minimize movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 when in the fully inserted operative position.

As mentioned, the inlet mechanism 324 is movably disposed within the cavity 378 of the lower housing 268. With further reference to FIGS. 24, 26 and 28, the lower housing 268 includes railings 428 extending upwardly from the base 370. The railings 428 may extend between the rear wall 374 and the crown 376. The railings 428 may include a pair of railings 428 oriented parallel to one another and oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The receiver outlet 404 may be defined within the base 370 between the railings 428. The lower housing 268 may include at least one retention element 430 positioned near the railings 428. The retention element(s) 430 may include pairs of L-shaped tabs extending upwardly from the base 370 adjacent to the railings 428. The railings 428 and the retention elements 430 may cooperate to couple the inlet mechanism 324 to the lower housing 268 in a manner that permits slidable movement of the inlet mechanism 324 relative to the lower housing 268 in the proximal-to-distal direction. The base 412 of the inlet mechanism 324 includes a base plate 432, and at least one foot 434 coupled to opposing edges of the base plate 432. The feet 434 may extend along the opposing edge of the base plate 432 in the proximal-to-distal direction. The feet 434 extend downwardly from the base plate 432 by a distance equal to or less than a distance by which the railings 428 extend upwardly from the base 370 of the lower housing 268. Further, the feet 434 may be spaced apart from one another by a distance at least equal to a distance between the railings 428. The base plate 432 may be supported on the railings 428 with the feet 434 positioned adjacent the railings 428 in a gap defined between the railings 428 and the retention elements 430. The retention elements 430 may include a height at least equal to a thickness of the feet 434 such that, when the base plate 432 may be supported on the railings 428, an inwardly extending flange of the retention elements 430 extends over at least a portion of the feet 434. The retention elements 430 may prevent movement of the inlet mechanism 324 relative to the lower housing 268 in all degrees of freedom other than translation in the proximal-to-distal direction.

The inlet mechanism 324 may include at least one rack gear 436. FIG. 29 shows two of the rack gears 436 arranged parallel to one another and oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The rack gear(s) 436 are configured to receive an input from at least one transfer gear 438 to facilitate translation of the inlet mechanism 324 relative to the lower housing 268 in the proximal-to-distal direction. As mentioned, when the manifold 124 is not in the fully inserted operative position, the inlet mechanism 324 is positioned such that no fluid communication is provided between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404. In particular, when the manifold 124 is not in the fully inserted operative position, the base plate 432 is positioned above the receiver outlet 404 to at least substantially seal the receiver volume 368 from the receiver outlet 404. As the manifold 124 is being moved towards the fully inserted operative position, the inlet mechanism 324 translates relative to the lower housing 268 such that the suction outlet 410 moves towards alignment with the receiver outlet 404. As the manifold 124 is being moved away from the fully inserted operative position, for example, during removal of the manifold 124, the inlet mechanism 324 translates relative to the lower housing 268 such that the suction outlet 410 moves away from alignment with the receiver outlet 404. Finally, when the manifold 124 is in the fully inserted operative position, the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404 are aligned to provide fluid communication between the receiver volume 368 and the waste container(s) 106, 108 (see FIGS. 57 and 58). The arrangement advantageously prevents suction through the suction inlet 266 without the manifold 124 being inserted into the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position. Otherwise, even if the medical waste collection system 100 is operating and a vacuum is being drawn on the waste container(s) 106, 108, the suction path is broken at an interface between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404.

With continued reference to FIG. 24, and further reference to FIG. 33, the transfer gear(s) 438 each may include a hub 440 disposed within a respective one of recesses 442 defined within a respective one of the opposing sides 372 of the lower housing 268. An axle 444 extends through the transfer gear(s) 438. The transfer gear(s) 438 are configured to rotate about the axle 444. Two transfer gears 438 are shown with the transfer gears 438 coupled to one another in a tongue-in-groove arrangement such that the transfer gears 438 rotate in unison about the axle 444. The transfer gears 438 each may include an input spur gear 446, and an output spur gear 448. The input spur gears 446 engage a respective rack gear 450 of the sled assembly 288 (see FIG. 35), and the output spur gears 448 engage a respective one of the rack gears 436 of the inlet mechanism 324. The insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 moves the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction, and the transfer gears 438 causes translation of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction. Likewise, the removal of the manifold 124 from the receiver 116 moves the sled assembly 288 in the distal direction, and the transfer gears 438 causes translation of the inlet mechanism 324 in the proximal direction. The transfer gears 438 may be configured to improve the mechanical advantage between the forces provided to the sled assembly 288 (via the manifold 124) and the resulting forces on the inlet mechanism 324. In other words, the transfer gears 438 may be designed to require less force provided to the manifold 124 to move the inlet mechanism 324. The mechanical advantage may be greater than one-to-one, and two-, three-, or four-to-one (or more).

The sled assembly 288 is movably coupled to the lower housing 268 and/or the upper housing 366. In certain implementations, complementary surfaces of the lower and upper housings 268, 366 cooperate to define slots 456 extending the proximal-to-distal direction. The lower housing 268, best shown in FIG. 26, includes the slots 456 at or near upper aspects of the opposing sides 372. More particularly, the slots 456 of the lower housing 268 may be defined between the opposing sides 372 and the mating flanges 458 extending laterally outward from the opposing sides 372. A complementary arrangement may be provided on an underside of mating flanges 460 of the upper housing 366 to define a thickness at least equal to a thickness of rails 462 of the sled assembly 288 extending in the proximal-to-distal direction. The rails 462 may extend laterally outward from opposing sides of each of a cradle 452, and a roof 454 coupled to the cradle 452. In certain implementations, the rails 462 extend along a length of the sled assembly 288. With the mating flanges 458, 460 of the lower and upper housings 268, 366 coupled to one another, the rails 462 are configured to translate within the slots 456 in the proximal-to-distal direction. Thus, the sled assembly 288 is configured to translate relative to the lower and upper housings 268, 366 in the proximal-to-distal direction.

The roof 454 may be configured to selectively house at least a portion of the inlet mechanism 324 prior to the manifold 124 being inserted into the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 33-35, the roof 454 may cooperate with a second barrier 464 to selectively house at least a portion of the inlet mechanism 324. The roof 454 may include an upper wall 466, and opposing sides 468 extending downwardly from the upper wall 466 to define a cavity 470. The cavity 470 is sized and shaped to at least accommodate the inlet mechanism 324. At least one mount 472 is coupled to the roof 454 and/or the rails 462 with the second barrier 464 pivotably coupled to the mount(s) 472, for example, with a pin 474 extending laterally between two of the mounts 472. It should be appreciated that the second barrier may be positioned and/or coupled in suitable alternative manners. A biasing element 476, for example a torsion spring, may be coupled to the second barrier 464 and configured to urge the second barrier 464 to a closed configuration in which the second barrier 464 is oriented substantially vertically. In the closed configuration, the inlet mechanism 324 is bounded from above by the roof 454, the sides by the roof 454 and/or the lower and upper housings 268, 366, below by the lower housing 268, the rear by the lower housing 268, and the front by the second barrier 464. As a result, the inlet mechanism 324, including the suction fitting 326, which may be contaminated with residual waste material from a previous medical procedure, is inaccessible to the user to avoid any exposure to the same.

The second barrier 464 is configured to move from the closed configuration to an open configuration in which the second barrier 464 is pivoted about the pin 474 against the biasing element 476. For example, during insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116, the sled assembly 288 is moved in the proximal direction, and the transfer gears 438 cause translation of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction. The inlet mechanism 324 engages the second barrier 464, and pivots the second barrier 464 about the pin 474 (see FIG. 53). For example, the distal edge 422 of the first support element 414 contacts a proximal side of the second barrier 464 to impart the pivoting. With further translation of the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction and corresponding translation of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction, the second barrier 464 “rides up” the inlet mechanism 324 as the inlet mechanism 324 exits the cavity 470 defined by the roof 454. With the manifold 124 inserted into the receiver 116 in the fully inserted operative position, the second barrier 464 may be supported on a rib 478 extending upwardly from an upper aspect of the inlet mechanism 324, more particularly from the upper surface 420 of the first support element 414 (see FIG. 29). The second barrier 464 may be positioned proximal to the base wall 281 of the trunk 134 in the fully inserted operative position (see FIG. 57). Thus, the inlet mechanism 324 remains at least substantially inaccessible throughout the manifold 124 being inserted into (and removed from) the receiver 116. Removal of the manifold 124 from the receiver 116 moves the sled assembly 288 in the distal direction, and the transfer gears 438 causes translation of the inlet mechanism 324 in the proximal direction. As the inlet mechanism 324 enters the cavity 470 defined by the roof 454, the biasing element 476 urges the second barrier 464 to return to the closed configuration.

The sled assembly 288 may include the cradle 452 previously introduced. With continued reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, the cradle 452 may include opposing sides 480 and a lower wall 482 coupled to and extending between the opposing sides 480. In certain implementations, the opposing sides 480 may extend downwardly from the rails 462. The lower wall 482 may be arcuate in shape and contoured to the lower wall 202 of the manifold 124 such that the cradle 452 assumes a generally U-shaped configuration when viewed in elevation in the proximal-to-distal direction.

The cradle 452 of the sled assembly 288 includes at least one push feature 484 with a pair of the push features 484 to be described. The push features 484 may be configured to be engaged by the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 of the manifold 124 as the manifold 124 is being inserted into the receiver 116. The engagement of the push features 484 and the proximally-directed surfaces 286 facilitate moving the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction. The push features 484 may be slots extending proximally inward from a distal end of the sled assembly 288. The slots may be coplanar and/or oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The slots may include have a dimension at least equal to a thickness of proximal portion of the arms 284 including the proximally-directed surfaces 286.

The cradle 452 of the sled assembly 288 includes at least one window 486 with a pair of the windows 486 to be described. The windows 486 are sized and positioned to receive a respective one of the claws 292 as the manifold 124 is being inserted into the receiver 116. The engagement of the claws 292 and the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 facilitate moving the sled assembly 288 in the distal direction during removal of the manifold 124 from the receiver 116. The windows 486 may be defined within a respective one of the opposing sides 480 of the cradle 452. The windows 486 may be coplanar and/or oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The windows 486 may include a thickness at least equal to a thickness of the claws 292.

The claws 292 may be operably coupled to the sled assembly 288 at a respective one of a pair of hinges 488. The hinges 488 may be disposed on flanges extending laterally outward from a respective one of the rails 462. The hinges 488 may include a post feature 490 to which the claws 292 are pivotably coupled. With concurrent reference to FIG. 36, each of the claws 292 may include a shoulder 492 defining a bore 494 sized to receive the post feature 490. A first segment 496 may extend from the shoulder 492, and a second segment 498 may extend from the first segment 496 at a first elbow 500 to orient the second segment 498 relative to the first segment 496. Further, a third segment 502 may extend from the second segment 498 at a second elbow 503 to orient the third segment 502 relative to the first and second segments 496, 498. The third segment 502 may define an engagement surface 504 configured to engage a respective one of the distally-directed surface 290 of the catch 254 in a manner to be described.

The claws 292 each may include a guide 506. The guide 506 may extend downwardly from the first and/or second segments 496, 498 at a position approximate to the first elbow 500. The guide 506 is movably positioned within a track 508 defined within the lower housing 268. As best shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the track 508 is disposed within the mating flange 458 of the lower housing 268. The track 508 may include a distal portion 510 and a proximal portion 512. The proximal portion 512 of the track may be oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction, and the distal portion 510 of the track 508 may be angled or oriented relative to the proximal portion 512. In certain implementations, the distal portion 510 may extend laterally outward from the proximal portion 512. The guide 506 is configured to slidably move within and between the distal and proximal portions 510, 512 of the track 508 of the lower housing 268. Yet, at the same time, the claws 292 may be pivotably coupled to the sled assembly 288 at the hinges 488, and the sled assembly 288 may be configured to translate relative to the lower housing 268. Thus, prior to insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116, for example, the sled assembly 288 may be in a proximal-most position with the guides 506 within the distal portion 510 of the track 508. The distal portion 510 of the track 508 constrains the guides 506 such that the third segment 502 of the claws 292, including the engagement surfaces 504, are laterally outward of the windows 486 of the cradle 452 (see, e.g., FIG. 45). As the manifold 124 is being inserted into the receiver 116 and the sled assembly 288 is being moved in the proximal direction, the guides 506 slidably move from the distal portions 510 to the proximal portions 512 of the tracks 508. Owing to the distal portions 510 being angled or oriented relative to the proximal portions 512, the claws 292 pivot laterally inward about the hinges 488, and the third segment 502 of the claws 292, including the engagement surfaces 504, move through the windows 486 of the cradle 452 to engage the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 (see, e.g., FIG. 55). With further translation of the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction, the guides 506 slidably move within the proximal portions 512 of the tracks 508 oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The engagement surfaces 504 remain engaged with the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254. When it is desired to remove the manifold 124 from the receiver 116, the manifold 124 is moved in the distal direction. The engagement between the engagement surfaces 504 and the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 facilitate the sled assembly 288 being translated distally together with the distal movement of the manifold 124. In particular, the proximal portions 512 of the tracks 508 oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction prevent the claws 292 from pivoting about the hinges 488, and thus the distal movement of the manifold 124 results in distal translation of the sled assembly 288 relative to the lower housing 268. Once the guides 506 encounter the distal portion 510 of the tracks 508, the claws 292 pivot laterally outward about the hinges 488, and the engagement surfaces 504 are removed from engagement with the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254. The aforementioned process will be described in greater detail with respect to each of the operative positions of insertion.

The sled assembly 288 may further include a lock interface 514 configured to be selectively coupled with the sled lock assembly 304 previously introduced. The lock interface 514 may include an aperture 516 defined within the lower wall 482 of the cradle 452. The lock interface 514 may further include a slot 518 defined within the lower wall 482 of the cradle 452. The aperture 516 and the slot 518 may be at least substantially aligned laterally, for example, along a plane of symmetry of the sled assembly 288 extending in the proximal-to-distal direction. The aperture 516 may be positioned proximal to the slot 518. With further reference to FIG. 25, it is appreciated that the slot 518 may be positioned adjacent to the spine slot 277 at least partially defining the opening 118 of the receiver 116 when the receiver 116 is in the first operative position. The slot 518 may be sized and shaped to removably receive a contact block 520 of a latch 522 of the sled lock assembly 304. The aperture 516 may be sized and shaped to removably receive a key 524 of the latch 522.

With further reference to FIGS. 24, 26 and 28, the lower housing 268 may include at least one mount 526 configured to couple the latch 522 to the lower housing 268. The mounts 526 may be supported on the base 370 and positioned adjacent to and laterally outward from the rails 428 extending in the proximal-to-distal direction. The mounts 526 may be spaced apart and positioned distal to the distal-most retention element 430. The mounts 526 include a hole configured to be aligned with bores 528 extending through the latch 522 of the sled lock assembly 304. A pin 530 may extend through the bores 528 of the latch 522 and the holes of the mounts 526 so as to pivotably couple the latch 522 to the lower housing 268 (see FIGS. 37 and 38). The mounts 526 are positioned such that, with the latch 522 pivotably coupled to the lower housing 268, the contact block 520 of the latch 522 selectively extends through the slot 518 and the key 524 of the latch 522 selectively extends through the aperture 516.

The sled lock assembly 304 may further include a biasing element 532, for example, a torsion spring, coupled to the latch 522 with the biasing element 532 configured to urge the latch 522 to a locked configuration in which a front surface 534 of the key 524 is in engagement with a front surface 536 at least partially defining the aperture 516. The biasing element 532 may be disposed in a gap 533 between the bores 528 of the latch 522 to be supported on the pin 530. In the locked configuration, an abutment surface 538 of the latch 522 may engage an underside of the cradle 452 proximal to the aperture 516. With continued reference to FIGS. 33, 34, 37 and 38, the front surface 534 is oriented to be at least substantially vertical when the latch 522 is in the locked configuration. Likewise, the front surface 536 of the aperture 516 may be oriented to be at least substantially vertical. As a result, when the key 524 of the latch 522 is extending through the aperture 516 in the locked configuration, the surfaces 536, 538 interfere to prevent translation of the sled assembly 288 relative to the lower housing 268 in the proximal direction. In other words, the receiver 116 is preventing from moving from the decoupled operative position unless the sled lock assembly 304 is moved from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration in which the latch 522 is pivoted about the pin 530 to disengage the abutment surface 538 of the latch 522 from the front surface 536 of the aperture 516.

As previously described in detail, the spine 300 includes the proximally-directed surface 302, for example, the ramped surface. When the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 is aligned to engage a distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520. More particularly, the spine 300 is directed through the spine slot 277 at least partially defining the opening 118, and engages the distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520 (see FIG. 43). The engagement may pivot the latch 522 about the pin 530 against the bias of the biasing element 532. The pivoting of the latch 522 may disengage the abutment surface 538 of the latch 522 from the front surface 536 of the aperture 516, and the sled assembly 288 is permitted to be moved relative to the lower housing 268 in the proximal direction. It is appreciated that the distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520 is oriented at least substantially vertical in the locked configuration. As a result, the ramped surface of the spine 300, while optional, is particularly well suited to impart the desired pivoting to the latch 522 of the sled lock assembly 304. In other words, should the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 not be angled or oriented to deflect the at least substantially vertical distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520, the surfaces would engage flat-on-flat without moving the sled lock assembly 304 to the unlocked configuration, and the manifold 124 would be prevented from further insertion into the receiver 116. In certain implementations, the ramped surface may be oriented at an angle relative to horizontal, the distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520, and/or the downward-directed surface 320 within the range of approximately 20 to 70 degrees, and more particularly within the range of approximately 30 to 60 degrees, and even more particularly within the range of approximately 40 to 50 degrees. The angle between, for example, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 and the distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520 may advantageously cooperate to prevent an unauthorized manifold from being inserted into the receiver 116 to the fully inserted operative position.

With the sled lock assembly 304 in the unlocked configuration, the sled assembly 288 may be translated relative to the lower housing 268 in the proximal direction. The biasing element 532 urges the latch 522 towards the locked configuration to slidably contact the downwardly-directed surface 320 as the manifold 124 is inserted into the receiver 116. As a result, it may be particularly desirable for the spine 300 to extend distally from the proximally-directed surface 302 to at least near the collar 168 in a continuous manner. In other words, the spine 300 may be devoid of slots or other discontinuities between its opposing ends, and/or the spine 300 may be of at least a substantially constant width, defined between the lower wall 262 of the trunk 134 and the downwardly-directed surface 320. The presence of a slot, for example, may result in the front surface 534 of the key 524 to engage such a slot and prevent further insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116. As described above, however, the spine 300 may not extend continuously along the trunk 134 in all implementations.

When it is desired to remove the manifold 124 from the receiver 116, the manifold 124 is moved in the distal direction, and the sled assembly 288 being translated distally together with the distal movement of the manifold 124. The latch 522 slidably contacts the downwardly-directed surface 320 of the spine 300 under the influence from the biasing element 532. A ramped surface 542 of the key 524 that is opposite the front surface 534 encounters a distal edge of the cradle 452 of the sled assembly 288. The ramped surface 542 facilities the latch 522 pivoting about the pin 530 as the distal edge of the cradle 452 moves distally relative to the key 524. It is further noted that a width of the key 524 is less than a width of the slot 518. The latch 522 eventually encounters the aperture 516, and biasing element 532 moves the key 524 to within the aperture 516 such that the surfaces 534, 536 are in engagement. The aforementioned process will be described in greater detail with respect to each of the operative positions of insertion.

Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 40, the locking assembly 310 of the receiver 116 previously introduced is configured to engage the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the manifold 124 after insertion of the manifold 124 to the fully inserted operative position. The locking assembly 310 being in a locked configuration selectively prevents distal movement of the manifold 124 (and thus the sled assembly 288) relative the receiver 116. The locking assembly 310 is configured to be actuated by the user to move the locking assembly 310 from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration in which distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 is permitted. FIG. 39 shows the relative positions of a release member 544 and a locking member 546 of the locking assembly 310 in a default configuration associated with the decoupled operative position (i.e., prior to insertion of the manifold 124 or after removal of the manifold 124 to and from the receiver 116, respectively). FIG. 39 may also generally reflect the relative positions of the release member 544 and the locking member 546 of the locking assembly 310 in an unlocked configuration. The unlocked configuration may be considered to differ from the default configuration by the manifold 124 being at least partially inserted into the receiver 116 and the locking assembly 310 not being in the locked configuration (i.e., prior to the manifold 124 being inserted to the fully inserted operative position and/or after actuating the locking assembly 310). FIG. 40 shows the locking assembly in the locked configuration. The default, unlocked and locked configurations will be further described with reference to each of the operative positions of insertion.

The locking assembly 310 may include the release member 544, and the locking member 546 coupled to the release member 544. The release member 544 may include at least one lever 548, and the locking member 546 may include at least one lever 550. FIGS. 39 and 40 show each of the release and locking members 544, 546 including a pair of levers 548, 550 coupled to one another. Further description will be in the context of the pairs of levers 548, 550, however, it is understood a singular lever 548, 550 may be utilized. The levers 548 of the release member 544 may be coupled to one another with the tongue 384 previously introduced. The tongue 384 may include a proximal portion 552 sized and shaped to be disposed within the recess 382 of the brim 380 of the lower housing 268 (see FIG. 26), and a distal portion 554 flaring substantially downwardly in the distal direction relative to the proximal portion 552. The tongue 384, and the proximal portion 552 in particular, may be concave so as to be at least substantially contoured with the brim 380 extending around the crown 376 of the receiver 116. The levers 548 may extend from the tongue 384 in the proximal-to-distal direction and be oriented parallel to and spaced apart from one another. The levers 548 of the release member 544 may extend to within the receiver volume 368 through slots 556 positioned adjacent the recess 382 of the brim 380 (see FIG. 27).

The levers 548 of the release member 544 may be coupled to the levers 550 of the locking member 546 with pins 558 such that the release and locking members 544, 546 are pivotable relative to one another. With reference to FIG. 26, the levers 548, 550 of each of the release and locking members 544, 546 are positioned within the cavity 378 of the lower housing 268 between mounts 560 extending from the base 370 and a respective one of the opposing sides 372. The levers 550 of the locking member 546 may be positioned adjacent and laterally outward to the mounts 560, and the levers 548 of the release member 544 may be positioned adjacent and laterally outward to the levers 550 of the release member 544. The pins 558 extend at least partially through holes in the mounts 560, the levers 548, 550, and at least partially through a hole disposed within a respective one of recesses 562 within the opposing sides 372 of the lower housing 268. A biasing element 564, for example a torsion spring, may operably couple each the levers 548 of the release member 544 to the lower housing 268. In certain implementations, the biasing elements 564 may also be positioned within a respective one of the recesses 562 within the opposing sides 372 of the lower housing 268. The biasing elements 564 are configured to urge the levers 548 of the release member 544 to pivot upwardly about the pins 558 such that an upper aspect 568 of the levers 548 engage an upper aspect of the slots 556 of the lower housing 268. The levers 548 engaging the slots 556 may prevent further upwardly pivoting, and the release member 544 may be considered in the default and unlocked configurations.

The upper aspect 568 of the levers 548 may also engage an upper engagement surface 570 of feet 572 of the locking member 546 in the default position. FIGS. 39 and 40 show two of the feet 572 disposed at or near a distal end of the levers 550 with the feet 572 at least substantially oriented perpendicular to the levers 550. The feet 572 include the upper engagement surface 570 spaced apart from a lower engagement surface 574 to define a gap 576 within which the levers 548 of the release member 544 are movably disposed. The biasing elements 564 may be configured to urge the levers 548 of the release member 544 to pivot upwardly about the pins 558 such that an upper aspect 568 of the levers 548 engage the upper engagement surfaces 570 of the feet 572 in the default and unlocked configurations.

The levers 550 of the locking member 546 may be coupled to one another with a crossbar 578. The crossbar 578 may be a plate-like structure extending laterally between inner aspects of the levers 550. A biasing element 580, for example a coil spring, may include an end disposed in engagement with an underside of the crossbar 578. An opposing end of the biasing element 580 may be supported in a boss 582 defined with the lower housing 268 (see FIGS. 26 and 28). The biasing element 580 may be configured to urge the levers 550 of the locking member 546 to pivot upwardly about the pins 558 such that upper aspects of the levers 550 engage tracks 586 of the cradle 452 of the sled assembly 288. With further reference to FIGS. 34 and 35, an underside of the cradle 452 include the tracks 586 positioned laterally outward from the opposing sides 480 of the cradle 452. The tracks 586 may be oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction. The tracks 586 each may include at least one surface 588 along which the upper aspects of the levers 550 slidably move as the sled assembly 288 moves in the proximal and/or distal directions. The surfaces 588 may be oriented generally downwardly so as to be in abutment with the upper aspects of the levers 550 oriented generally upwardly. Further, the upper aspect of the levers 550 may include a distal surface 590 and a proximal surface 592 oriented at an angle relative to the distal surface 590. FIGS. 39 and 40 show the proximal surface 592 sloping downwardly away from the distal surface 590 in the proximal direction.

With the sled assembly 288 positioned in the decoupled operative position, for example, the tracks 586 are positioned such that the surfaces 588 of the tracks 586 engage the distal surface 590 of the levers 550 and/or the proximal surface 592 of the levers 550 adjacent the distal surface 590. As the sled assembly 288 is moved in the proximal direction (as the manifold 124 is being inserted into the receiver 116), the tracks 586 slidably move along a length of the proximal surfaces 592 of the levers 550 which may, as mentioned, slope downwardly away from the distal surface 590. The downwardly sloping nature of the proximal surfaces 592 is effectively counteracted by the biasing element 580, which urges the crossbar 578, and thus the levers 550, upwardly to maintain contact between the surfaces 588 of the tracks 586 and the proximal portion 592 of the levers 550. The feet 572 are pivoted upwardly about the pins 558 relative to the release member 544, which is maintained in its default position by the engagement between the upper aspect 568 of the levers 548 and the slots 556 of the lower housing 268 as previously described.

Once the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock element 306 of the manifold 124 is positioned proximal to lock surfaces 594 of the feet 572 of the locking member 546, the biasing element 580 pivots the levers 550, and thus the feet 572, upwardly about the pins 558 such that the locking surfaces 594 are positioned distal to and in interference engagement with the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the manifold 124 (see FIG. 61). This may be considered the locked configuration, and the interference engagement of the locking surfaces 594 with the distally-directed surfaces 308 selectively prevents distal movement of the manifold 124 relative the receiver 116. FIG. 40 may be indicative of the locking assembly 310 in the locked configuration, and lower aspects 596 of the levers 548 may be adjacent to the lower engagement surfaces 574 of the feet 572. In other words, moving the locking assembly 310 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration may include the levers 548 moving within the gap 576 of the feet 572 from a position adjacent the upper engagement surfaces 570 to a position adjacent the lower engagement surfaces 574.

As mentioned, the locking assembly 310 is configured to be actuated by the user to move the locking assembly 310 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The input may be provided to the release member 544, and more particularly to the tongue 384 functioning as an actuator. The input to the release member 544 pivots the levers 548 downwardly about the pins 558 against the bias provided by the biasing elements 564. With the lower aspects 596 of the levers 548 adjacent to the lower engagement surfaces 574 of the feet 572 as previously mentioned, the downward pivoting of the levers 548 results in a corresponding downward pivoting of the levers 550 of the locking member 546 about the pins 558. The downward pivoting of the levers 550 is to an extent such that the locking surfaces 594 disengage the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306 of the manifold 124, and distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 is thereby permitted.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 33, a biasing element 598, for example a coil spring, may be operably coupled to the lower housing 268. The biasing element 598 may be disposed within a cavity 600 defined within the roof 454 of the sled assembly 288. An end of the biasing element 598 may be coupled to the sled assembly 288, and an opposing end of the biasing element 598 may be free when the manifold 124 is not in the fully inserted operative position. Thus, the biasing element 598 may be in a natural or unstressed state when the manifold 124 is not in the fully inserted operative position. As the manifold 124 is inserted into the receiver 116 and sled assembly 288 is translated in the proximal direction, the free end of the biasing element 598 nears the rear barrier 602 associated with the lower housing 268. With the manifold 124 in the fully inserted operative position, the free end of the biasing element 598 may engage the rear barrier 602, and the biasing element 598 may assume a deformed or stressed state in which potential energy is stored. As to be described further with reference to the operative positions, when the locking assembly 310 is in the locked configuration, the biasing element 598 may be in the deformed or stressed state. The input to the release mechanism 544 moves the locking assembly 310 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, which may permit distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116. The biasing element 598 may release the stored potential energy to move the manifold 124 (and the sled assembly 288) in the distal direction. The distal movement of the manifold 124 may provide visual indication to the user that the manifold 124 is readied to be removed from the receiver 116. Additionally or alternatively, the position of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 prior or subsequent to the locking assembly 310 assuming the locked and unlocked configurations, respectively, may provide indication to the user that the manifold 124 is not in the fully inserted operative position.

In certain implementations, one or more magnets may be utilized with complementary ferromagnetic material to cause a repulsion force to facilitate the aforementioned distal movement. In certain implementations, an electronic linear actuator may be operatively controlled by an electronic controller to move the manifold 124 in a desired manner. In certain implementations, a pneumatic linear actuator may be utilized. Other alternatives to the biasing element 598 are contemplated for providing movement of the manifold 124 (and the sled assembly 288) in the distal direction in response to the locking assembly assuming the unlocked configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 41-61, each of the operative positions of insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 may be prior to insertion of the manifold 124 into the receiver 116 and/or after removal of the manifold 124 from the receiver 116, and representative of the decoupled operative position. The first and second barriers 392, 464 are in the closed configurations. The sled assembly 288 is in the distal-most position, and the sled lock assembly 304 is in the locked configuration preventing movement of the sled assembly 288 relative to the lower housing 268. The inlet mechanism 324 is in proximal-most position such that fluid communication between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404 is prevented. The locking assembly 310 may be in the default configuration.

The manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116. In particular, the manifold 124 is oriented such that the upper wall 260 of the trunk 134 is aligned with the upper segment 270 of the opening 118, the lower wall 262 of the trunk 134 is aligned with the lower segment 272 of the opening 118, and the opposing sides 264 are aligned with the opposing side segments 274 of the opening 118. Further, the trunk 134 of the manifold 124 may include orientation feature(s) 265 configured to require insertion of the manifold 124 into the opening 118 in a single orientation. With concurrent reference to FIGS. 8, 10 and 27, the orientation feature(s) 265 may include at least one transition surface 267 defining at least a portion of the upper wall 260 and/or the opposing sides 264. The transition surface(s) 267 may be considered change in contour from the upper wall 260 to the opposing sides 264. FIG. 10 shows the transition surfaces 267 resulting in the opposing sides 264 being relatively more vertically oriented than, for example, a substantially circular configuration. The orientation features 265 may include at least one undercut surface 269 defining at least a portion of the opposing sides 264. The undercut surfaces 269 may extend laterally inward from an adjacent upper surface of the opposing sides 264, and/or extend laterally outward from adjacent lower surface of the opposing sides 264. The undercut surfaces 269 may be contoured to the recesses 279 at least partially defining the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The transition surfaces 267 and/or the undercut surfaces 269 may cooperate with the upper wall 260, the lower wall 262, and the opposing sides 264 to define an entry profile of the manifold 124 that is insertable into the opening 118 in the single orientation. Further, the transition surfaces 267 and/or the undercut surfaces 269 may cooperate to provide visual distinctiveness to the shape of the manifold 124 for the user to readily discern the proper orientation for the manifold 124 to be inserted into the receiver 116. With the manifold 124 oriented as previously described, the arms 284 of the manifold 124 are aligned with the arm slots 278 of the opening 118, and the spine 300 of the manifold 124 is aligned with the spine slot 277 of the opening 118.

FIGS. 41-45 show the manifold 124 at least partially inserted into the receiver 116 to a first operative position. The user may manipulate the manifold 124, for example, using the control surfaces 154 on the head 132, to move the base wall 281 of the second leg 246 through the opening 118 of the receiver 116 and engage and pivot the first barrier 392. The second leg 246 may enter the receiver volume 368, and/or the first leg 244 and the seal 282 may enter the receiver volume 368. The arms 284, including the proximally-directed surfaces 286, may pass through the arm slots 278 and enter the receiver volume 368, and the spine 300, including the proximally-directed surface 302, may at least partially pass through the spine slot 277 to engage the sled lock assembly 304. The proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 may engage the contact block 520 of the sled lock assembly 304 prior to the arms 284 and/or the catches 254 engaging or being engaged by the receiver 116, respectively. As described, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 may be positioned distal to the rim 276, distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254, and distal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 (see FIG. 12). Despite the aforementioned distal relative position, it may be necessary for the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 to first move the sled lock assembly 304 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration so as to permit movement of the sled assembly 288 relative to the lower housing 268. As best shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 engages the distally-directed surface 540 of the contact block 520. The engagement pivots the latch 522 about the pin 530 against the bias of the biasing element 532. The pivoting of the latch 522 disengages the abutment surface 538 of the latch 522 from the front surface 536 of the aperture 516. Thus, in certain implementations, the first operative position may be associated with or defined as the spine 300 engaging the lock assembly 304 and/or moving the sled lock assembly 304 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. With the manifold 124 in the first operative position, the arms 284 may be at least partially positioned with the slots defining the push features 484, however, the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may not be engaging the push features 484. Should, for example, purported arm(s) of an article engage the push features 484 prior the lock assembly 304 being moved to the unlocked configuration, insertion of the article may not be possible. Thus, the positioning and/or spacing of the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 in the proximal-to-distal direction relative to the rim 276 and/or the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may be useful to prevent non-genuine articles from being used with the receiver 116. The locking assembly 310 may be considered to have moved from the default configuration to the unlocked configuration.

Referring to the top plan views of FIGS. 44 and 45, with the manifold 124 in the first operative position, the claws 292 have yet to engage the catches 254. More particularly, the guides 506 may be positioned within the distal portion 512 of the tracks 508 of the lower housing 268 such that the third segment 502 of the claws 292, including the engagement surfaces 504, are laterally outward from the catches 254 of the manifold 124. The engagement surfaces 504 are not engaging the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 in the first operative position. Further, in the first operative position, the sled assembly 288 may not have moved in the proximal direction, and thus the inlet mechanism 324 may not have moved in the distal direction in a corresponding manner. As a result, there may not be fluid communication between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404, and any vacuum provided by the vacuum pump 110 does not extend to the suction inlet 266. The suction fitting 326 defining the suction inlet 266 is spaced apart from the seal 282 and/or the rim 276 in the proximal-to-distal direction.

FIGS. 46-50 show the manifold 124 at least partially inserted into the receiver 116 to a second operative position. The user may manipulate the manifold 124, for example, using the control surfaces 154 on the head 132, to move the manifold 124 from the first operative position to the second operative position. The second operative position may include the manifold 124 being positioned more proximal relative to the receiver 116 than the first operative position. The second operative position may be associated or defined as the arms 284 engaging the push features 484. The distance required to move the manifold 124 from the first operative position to the second operative position may be at least approximate a distance between the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 and the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 in the proximal-to-distal direction. With reference to FIG. 12, the distance may be at least substantially equal to the distance between plane S and plane A. In the second operative position, the sled assembly 288 may have yet to move in the proximal direction.

With the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 in the second operative position, the sled lock assembly 304 remains in the unlocked configuration, as the latch 522 may slidably contact the downwardly-directed surface 320 of the spine 300. The locking assembly 310 may remain in the unlocked configuration, as the tracks 586 of the cradle may engage the levers 550 against the bias provided by the biasing element 580. Further, the top plan views of FIGS. 49 and 50 show the claws 292 have yet to engage the catches 254 in the second operative position, as the claws 292 remain laterally outward from the catches 254 of the manifold 124. Still further, in the second operative position, the inlet mechanism 324 may not have moved in the distal direction, and thus there may not be fluid communication between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404. The suction fitting 326 remains spaced apart from the seal 282 and/or the rim 276 in the proximal-to-distal direction.

FIGS. 51-55 show the manifold 124 at least partially inserted into the receiver 116 to a third operative position. The user may manipulate the manifold 124, for example, using the control surfaces 154 on the head 132, to move the manifold 124 from the second operative position to the third operative position. The third operative position may include the manifold 124 being positioned more proximal relative to the receiver 116 than the first and second operative positions. The third operative position may be associated or defined as the catches 254 of the manifold 124 being engaged by the claws 292 of the receiver 116, and more particularly the engagement surfaces 504 of the claws 292 being positioned adjacent to the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254. The distance required to move the manifold 124 from the second operative position to the third operative position may be at least approximate to a distance for the guides 506 of the claws 292 to move from the distal portions 510 of the tracks 508 to the proximal portions 512 of the tracks 508, thereby pivoting the claws 292 inwardly about the hinges 488. FIGS. 45 and 50 show the first and second operative positions, respectively, with the third segments 502 of the claws 292 positioned laterally outward from the catches 254 (and generally aligned with the third segments 502 of the claws 292 in the proximal-to-distal direction). The guides 506 of the claws 292 (shown in phantom) are positioned in the distal portions 510 of the tracks 508. As the manifold 124 is moved from the second operative position to the third operative position, the sled assembly 288 moves in the proximal direction. In particular, the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 are engaging the push features 484 of the sled assembly 288, and the user moving the manifold 124 in the proximal direction results in a corresponding movement of the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction. As previously described, the claws 292 are coupled to the sled assembly 288 at the hinges 488. Thus, the movement of the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction results in a corresponding movement of the claws 292 in the proximal direction. The distal portions 510 may extend laterally outward from the proximal portions 512, and thus the proximal portions 512 may be positioned laterally inward from the distal portions 510. As the claws 292 move in the proximal direction, the guides 506 pivot the claws 292 about the hinges 448 as the guides 506 follow the tracks 508 from the distal portions 510 to the proximal portions 512. FIG. 55 shows the guides 506 of the claws 292 (shown in phantom) positioned within the proximal portions 512 of the tracks 508. The inward pivoting may be to an extent that the engagement surfaces 504 of the claws 292 are positioned within the catches 254 and/or adjacent to the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254.

It is readily appreciated that moving the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 from the second operative position to the third operative position may require precise timing for the arms 284 to move the sled assembly 288 as the claws 292 pivoting inwardly to engage the catches 254. Should, for example, purported arms of an article engage the push features 484 with improperly positioned or absent catches, insertion of the article may not be possible. The receiver 116 may bind as the claws 292 may be prevented from pivoting inwardly to the extent necessary for the guides 506 to follow the tracks 508 of the receiver 116. Additionally or alternatively, should an article have improperly positioned or absent catches, returning the sled assembly 288 to the initial distal position as the manifold 124 is removed from the receiver 116 may not be possible. Subsequent operation of the medical waste collection system 100 may be compromised and/or subsequent insertion of another manifold into the receiver 116 may not be possible. Thus, the positioning and/or spacing of the catches 254 in the proximal-to-distal direction relative to the rim 276 and/or the proximally-directed surfaces 286 of the arms 284 may be useful to prevent non-genuine articles from being used with the receiver 116.

With movement of the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction as the manifold 124 is moved from the second operative position to the third operative position, the inlet mechanism 324 moves in the distal direction. The rack gears 450 of the sled assembly 288 translate with the movement of the sled assembly 288 to facilitate rotation of the output spur gears 448 and the input spur gears 446 of the transfer gears 438. The rotation of the inlet spur gears 446 impart translation to a respective one of the rack gears 436 of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction. FIGS. 52 and 53 show the suction fitting 326 of the inlet mechanism 324 being closer to the outlet opening 242 of the manifold 124 relative to, for example, FIG. 42 showing the first operative position. The second barrier 464 may at move from the closed configuration least partially to the open configuration. The translation of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction may engage the second barrier 464 to pivot the second barrier 464 about the pin 474 (see FIG. 53). The second barrier 464 may “ride up” the inlet mechanism 324 as the inlet mechanism 324 exits the cavity 470 defined by the roof 454. It is appreciated that suction fitting 326 remains spaced apart from the seal 282 and/or the rim 276 in the proximal-to-distal direction. Furthermore, with the movement of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction, the suction outlet 410 of the inlet mechanism 324 moves towards alignment with the receiver outlet 404. FIG. 53 shows the suction outlet 410 nearing fluid communication with the receiver outlet 404. For the most part, the suction path at the interface between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404 remains broken such that any vacuum provided by the vacuum pump 110 does not meaningfully extend to the suction inlet 266.

With the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 in the third operative position, the sled lock assembly 304 remains in the unlocked configuration, as the latch 522 may slidably contact the downwardly-directed surface 320 of the spine 300. The locking assembly 310 may remain in the unlocked configuration, as the tracks 586 of the cradle may engage the levers 550 against the bias provided by the biasing element 580. The free end of the biasing element 598 may remain spaced apart from the rear barrier 602 with the biasing element 598 in the natural or unstressed state.

FIGS. 56-60 show the manifold 124 inserted into the receiver 116 to a fourth operative position, also referred to herein as the fully inserted operative position. The user may manipulate the manifold 124, for example, using the control surfaces 154 on the head 132, to move the manifold 124 from the third operative position to the fourth operative position. The fourth operative position may include the manifold 124 being positioned more proximal relative to the receiver 116 than the first, second, and third operative positions. The fourth operative position may be associated with or defined as the suction fitting 326 coupling with the outlet opening 242 to establish fluid communication between the manifold volume 130 and the suction inlet 266. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth operative position may be associated with or defined as the suction fitting 326 extending through the outlet opening 242. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth operative position may be associated with or defined as the suction outlet 410 being in fluid communication with the receiver outlet 404. Additionally or alternatively, the fourth operative position may be associated with or defined as the locking assembly 310 moving from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration to engage the lock elements 306 of the manifold 124 and retain the manifold 124 in the proximal-to-distal direction, for example, against the bias provided by the biasing element 598.

As the manifold 124 is moved the proximal direction, the proximally-directed surfaces 286 continue to engage the push features 484 of the sled assembly 288, and the movement of the manifold 124 in the proximal direction results in the corresponding movement of the sled assembly 288 in the proximal direction. As previously described, the translation of the rack gears 450 of the sled assembly 288 facilitate rotation of the transfer gears 438, and rotation of the transfer gears 438 facilitate translation of the rack gears 436 of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction. The inlet mechanism 324 and the manifold 124 move towards one another, and the suction fitting 326 of the inlet mechanism 324 may extend through the rim 276 defining the outlet opening 242 to establish fluid communication between the manifold volume 130 and the suction inlet 266. As best shown in FIGS. 58 and 60, the suction fitting 326 assumes a position within the manifold volume 130 at least partially defined by the first leg 244. In certain implementations, the suction fitting 326 penetrates the seal 282. As previously described, the flaps 350 generally conform to the outer surface 362 of the suction fitting 326 to provide the aforementioned radial seal, and the radial sealing surface 358 may prevent the egress of any waste material collected in the annular pocket 360. Further, the sealing surface 346 of the seal 282 may be in abutment with the sealing surface 322 of the inlet mechanism 324 to provide the aforementioned face seal.

With the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 in the fourth operative position, the first support element 414 may be seated or nestled within the void 248 defined between the first and second legs 244, 246 of the manifold 124. FIG. 58 best shows the distal edge 422 of the first support element 414 positioned adjacent to the distal aspect 256 at least partially defining the void 248. Further, the second support element 416 may be adjacent the lower aspect of the first leg 244 and positioned in the proximal-to-distal direction between the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 and the rim 276. The second support element 416 may cooperate with the first support element 414 to facilitate ensuring that the manifold 124 is inserted to the proper insertion depth and/or supporting the manifold 124 within the receiver 116 in the fourth operative position.

The movement of the inlet mechanism 324 in the distal direction, the suction outlet 410 of the inlet mechanism 324 is aligned with the receiver outlet 404, as best shown in FIGS. 57 and 58. The suction path at the interface between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404 is established such that the vacuum provided by the vacuum pump 110 extends to the suction inlet 266 and into the manifold volume 130 (and thus to the suction tube(s) 120 that may be coupled to the manifold 124).

With the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 in the fourth operative position, the locking assembly 310 may move the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. With further reference to FIG. 61, the locking assembly 310 of the receiver 116 engages the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock element 306 to selectively prevent distal movement of the manifold 124 relative the receiver 116. The biasing element 580 may urge the levers 550 of the locking member 546 to pivot upwardly about the pins 558 to maintain engagement with the tracks 586 of the cradle 452 of the sled assembly 288. As a result, the feet 572 disposed at or near a distal end of the levers 550 are biased into engagement with a lower surface of the arms 284 as the manifold 124 is moving from the third operative position to the fourth operative position. Owing to the surfaces 588 generally sloping downwardly, once the locking element 306 is positioned proximal to the feet 572, the biasing element 580 may urge the levers 550 of the locking member 546 to pivot upwardly to position the locking surfaces 594 adjacent to the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the manifold 124. The interference engagement of the locking surfaces 594 with the distally-directed surfaces 308 selectively prevents distal movement of the manifold 124 relative the receiver 116. The free end of the biasing element 598 may engage the rear barrier 602, and the biasing element 598 may assume the deformed or stressed state with a tendency to urge the manifold 124 distally relative to the receiver 116, and the lock assembly 310 being in the locked configuration prevents such relative distal movement.

With the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 in the fourth operative position, the engagement surfaces 504 of the claws 292 remain positioned within the catches 254 and/or adjacent to the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254. Further, the sled lock assembly 304 remains in the unlocked configuration, as the latch 522 may slidably contact the downwardly-directed surface 320 of the spine 300.

It is readily appreciated that moving the manifold 124 and the receiver 116 from the third operative position to the fourth operative position may require precise timing for the suction fitting 326 to extend through the outlet opening 242 (e.g., the sealing surface 346 of the seal 282 being in abutment with the sealing surface 322 and/or the first support element 414 being at least partially positioned within the void 248) with the locking assembly 310 engaging the lock element 306 of the manifold 124 in the locked configuration. Should, for example, an article lack properly positioned lock features and features defining a void, full insertion of the article may not be possible. Without full insertion, for example, the sled assembly 288 may assume a position in the proximal-to-distal direction insufficient to permit operation of the medical waste collection system 100 (e.g., a controller 122 may prevent operation of the vacuum pump 110). Thus, the positioning, dimensions, and/or spacing of the first leg 244, the second leg 246, the void 248, the rim 276, and/or the lock elements 306 may be useful to prevent non-genuine articles from being used with the receiver 116.

The locking assembly 310 may be actuated by the user to be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in which distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 is permitted. Referring now to FIGS. 62 and 63, the input maybe provided to the tongue 384 such as depressing the tongue 384. FIG. 62 shows a gap 604 between the tongue 384 and the recess 382 of the brim 208 with the gap indicative that the tongue 384 is depressed in an actuated state. As previously described, the input to the tongue 384 pivots the release member 544 downwardly against the bias provided by the biasing elements 564, which results in a corresponding downward pivoting of the locking member 546 against the bias provided by the biasing element 580. The downward pivoting of the levers 550 may disengage the locking surfaces 594 from the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock element 306 of the manifold 124, and distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116 is thereby permitted. With the locking assembly 310 no longer constraining distal movement of the manifold 124 relative to the receiver 116, the biasing element 598 may release the potential energy stored in the deformed or stressed state, and the manifold 124 (and the sled assembly 288) may move in the distal direction. The movement of the sled assembly 288 in the distal direction results in movement of the inlet mechanism 324 in the proximal direction, and thus suction path at the interface between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404 may be almost immediately broken upon actuating the locking assembly 310 to the unlocked configuration.

The manifold 124 may be removed from the receiver 116 in a manner at least similar to a reverse of the aforementioned first through fourth operative positions. The user may manipulate the manifold 124, for example, using the control surface 154 on the head 132, to move the manifold 124 in the distal direction. As the manifold 124 is moved in the distal direction, the distally-directed surfaces 290 of the catches 254 engage the engagement surfaces 504 of the claws 292 such that the sled assembly 288 is moved in the distal direction in a corresponding manner. The guides 506 of the claws 292 prevent the claws 292 from pivoting about the hinges 488 while the guides 506 are slidably moving within the proximal portion 510 of the tracks 508. The suction inlet fitting 326 exits the seal 282 and the rim 276 that defines that outlet opening 242. The interference engagement between the seal 282 and the rim 276 may prevent the seal 282 from being decoupled during removal of the suction inlet fitting 326 from the outlet opening 242. The close tolerancing of the first and second support elements 414, 416 of the inlet mechanism 324 may further assist with preventing the decoupling of the seal 282 from the rim 276. The lip 340 of the seal 282 engaging the interior step 338 of the first leg 244 may even further assist with preventing the decoupling of the seal 282 from the rim 276. The guides 506 of the claws 292 assume position within the distal portions 512 of the tracks 508, and the claws 292 pivot laterally outward about the hinges 488 (see FIG. 50). Further removal of the manifold 124 disengages the arms 284, from the pushing features 484 of the sled assembly 288, and still further removal of the manifold 124 positions the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300 distal to the contact block 520 of the sled lock assembly 304. The biasing element 532 of the sled lock assembly 304 urges the latch 522 to pivot upwardly about the pin 530 such that the front surface 534 of the key 524 is in engagement with a front surface 536 at least partially defining the aperture 516, and the sled lock assembly 304 returns to the locked configuration. A subsequent manifold 124 may be inserted into the receiver 116 as desired. Throughout the period the manifold 124 is being removed and/or replaced, the suction path at the interface between the suction outlet 410 and the receiver outlet 404 remains broken such that any vacuum provided by the vacuum pump 110 does not meaningfully extend to the suction inlet 266.

Referring now to FIGS. 64-69, an implementation of the trunk 134′ of the manifold 124 is shown in which the first leg 244′ is positioned above the second leg 246′ with certain structures located in a corresponding manner. In many respects, the trunk 134′ may be similar to that previously described with like numerals (plus a prime symbol (′)) corresponding to like components, and any disclosure common to the corresponding components may be considered omitted in the interest of brevity should not be construed as limiting. It should be understood that counterpart components on the receiver 116 may be modified in an appropriate manner to permit the trunk 134′ to be inserted into and removed from the receiver 116 in the manners previously described. Further, it should be understood that, while discussed in the context of the trunk 134′, which may be integrated with or coupled to any suitable head, for example the head 132 previously described, the disclosure may be applicable to the housing 128 and/or the manifold 124 more generally.

The trunk 134′ may define the outlet opening 242′. The trunk 134′ may include the body portion 210′, the first leg 244′, and/or the second leg 246. The first leg 244′ and/or the second leg 246′ may extend from the body portion 210, and more particularly one or both of the first and second legs 244′, 246′ may extend proximally from the body portion 210′. The first and second legs 244′, 246′ may be spaced apart from one another to at least partially define the void 248′, as best shown in the perspective view of FIG. 64 and the side elevation views of FIGS. 66 and 67. The catch(es) 254′ may be generally standalone structures such that the catches 254′ and the upper aspect 252′ of the first leg 244′ define the void 248. Further, as contemplated previously, the trunk 134′ may include more than two legs, and despite the presence of a strut 255′ coupling the catches 254′, it may be considered that the trunk 134′ includes the first leg 244′ and a pair of the second legs 246′. The void 248 may be further defined by a distal aspect 256′ of the body portion 210′, and the first and/or second legs 244′, 246′ may extend from the distal aspect 256′. FIGS. 64 and 65 show the distal aspect 256′ extending from the first leg 244′ to the strut 255′ near the lower wall 262′ of the trunk 134′. For convention, the vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through a proximal-most point of the distal aspect 256′ may be considered the boundary (B) separating the body portion 210′ and the first and/or second legs 244′, 246′, as identified in FIG. 66. A portion of the trunk 134′ distal to the boundary (B) may be considered the body portion 210′, and upper and lower portions of the trunk 134′ proximal to the boundary (B) may be considered the first and second legs 244′, 246′, respectively.

As mentioned, the first leg 244′ may be positioned above the second leg(s) 246′ when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver. The trunk 134′ may include the upper wall 260′, the lower wall 262′, and the opposing sides 264′. The opposing sides 264′ and the lower wall 262′ may cooperate to form at least a portion of the second leg(s) 246′, and the opposing sides 264′ and the upper wall 260′ may cooperate to form at least a portion of the first leg 244′.

The trunk 134′ may include the rim 276′ defining the outlet opening 242′. The rim 276′ may be disposed on the first leg 244′, and more particularly at or near a proximal end of the first leg 244′. The step 283′ may extend radially inward from the tubulate wall 280′ at least partially defining the first leg 244′ with the rim 276′ extending proximally from the step 283′. FIG. 67 includes the vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the rim 276′, identified as (R), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the rim 276′. The rim 276′ may include a width greater or larger than a height such that the outlet opening 242′ is non-circular. The tubulate wall 280′ may also include a width greater or larger than a height, and the dimensions of the rim 276′ may be approximately equal to the dimensions of the tubulate wall 280′ such that the outlet opening 242′ is shaped complementarily to and/or to approximate a cross section of the first leg 244′. The rim 276′ may be configured to be coupled with the seal 282′.

The manifold 124 includes the arm(s) 284′ extending outwardly from the trunk 134′. The arms 284′ may extend outwardly from at least one of the body portion 210 and the first leg 244′. In other words, the arms 284′ may extend away from the manifold volume 130. With particular reference to FIG. 67, at least a portion of the arms 284′ (one shown) extend outwardly from the body portion 210′. Further, the arms 284′ may extend outwardly from the opposing sides 264′ of the trunk 134′, and more particularly extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264′. The arms 284′ may be of any suitable length. The arms 284′ include the proximally-directed surfaces 286′. The proximally-directed surfaces 286′ may be positioned distal to the boundary (B) of FIG. 66, and hence the arms 284′ may be considered to extend laterally outward from only the body portion 210′. FIG. 67 includes the vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the proximally-directed surfaces 286′, identified as (A), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′. The proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′ may be positioned distal to the rim 276′, and thus the rim 276′ may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ (i.e., plane A is distal to plane R, and plane R is proximal to plane A).

The manifold 124 includes the catch(es) 254′, for example, as the aforementioned standalone structure and/or considered disposed on the second leg(s) 246′. The rim 276′ and the catches 254′ may be spaced apart from one another by the void 248′. More particularly, the rim 276′ on the first leg 244′ may be spaced apart from the catches 254′ on the second leg(s) 246′ by the void 248′. FIGS. 66 and 67 show the rim 276′ on the first or upper side of the void 248′, and the catches 254′ on the second or lower side of the void 248′. Further, the rim 276′ is positioned above the catches 254′ when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the opening 118 of the receiver 116. Owing to the geometry of the second leg(s) 246′, the catches 254′ appear as a hook-like structure including the distally-directed surfaces 290′ along a bend between the opposing upper and lower aspects 293′, 294′. The catches 254′ include the laterally-directed surfaces 298′ such that the catches 254′ are shaped as recesses within the trunk 134′. The distally-directed surfaces 290′ of the catches 254′ may be positioned proximal to the boundary (B) of FIG. 66. FIG. 67 includes the vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the distally-directed surfaces 290′, identified as (C), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of catches 254′. The distally-directed surfaces 290′ of the catches 254′ may be positioned proximal to the rim 276′, and thus the rim 276′ may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290′ (i.e., plane C is proximal to plane R, and plane R is distal to plane C). Further, the distally-directed surfaces 290′ of the catches 254′ may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′, and thus the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′ may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290′ (i.e., plane C is proximal to plane A, and plane A is distal to plane C).

The manifold 124 may include the spine 300′ extending outwardly from the trunk 134′. With particular reference to FIG. 66, the spine 300′ may extend outwardly from the trunk 134′ distal to the boundary (B) such that the spine 300′ extends outwardly from the body portion 210′. Further, the spine 300′ may extend outwardly from the bottom wall 262′ of the trunk 134, and more particularly extend downwardly from the bottom wall 262′. The spine 300′ includes the proximally-directed surface 302′, for example, the ramped surface tapering towards the lower wall 262′ of the trunk 134′ in the proximal direction to define a proximal end of the spine 300′. FIG. 67 includes the vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through a proximal end of the proximally-directed surface 302′, identified as (S), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the proximally-directed surface 302′ of the spine 300.′ The proximally-directed surface 302′ of the spine 300′ may be positioned distal to the rim 276′, and thus the rim 276′ may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface 302′ (i.e., plane S is distal to plane R, and plane R is proximal to plane S). Further, the proximally-directed surface 302′ of the spine 300′ may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surface(s) 290′ of the catch(es) 254′, and thus the distally-directed surface(s) 290′ of the catch(es) 254′ may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface 302′ (i.e., plane S is distal to plane C, and plane C is proximal to plane S). Still further, the proximally-directed surface 302′ of the spine 300′ may be positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface(s) 286′ of the arm(s) 284′, and thus the proximally-directed surface(s) 286′ of the arm(s) 284′ may be positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface 302 (i.e., plane S is distal to plane A, and plane A is proximal to plane S).

The manifold 124 may include the lock element(s) 306′ extending outwardly from the trunk 134′. The lock elements 306′ each may include a distally-directed surface 308′ at a distal end of the elongate structure opposite the proximally-directed surface 286′ of the arms 284. The lock element(s) 306′ may extend outwardly from at least one of the body portion 210′ and the first leg 244′. The lock elements 306′ may be positioned distal to the boundary (B) of FIG. 66, and hence the lock elements 306′ are extending laterally outward from only the body portion 210. The lock elements 306′ may extend outwardly from the opposing sides 264′ of the trunk 134′, and more particularly extend laterally outward from the opposing sides 264′. FIG. 67 includes the vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the distally-directed surfaces 308′, identified as (L), indicative of a proximal-to-distal location of the lock elements 306′. The distally-directed surfaces 308′ of the lock elements 306′ may be positioned distal to the rim 276′, and thus the rim 276′ may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308′ (i.e., plane L is distal to plane R, and plane R is proximal to plane L). Further, the distally-directed surfaces 308′ of the lock elements 306′ may be positioned distal to the distally-directed surfaces 290′ of the catches 254′, and thus the distally-directed surfaces 290′ of the catches 254′ may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308′ (i.e., plane L is distal to plane C, and plane C is proximal to plane L). Still further, the distally-directed surfaces 308′ of the lock elements 306′ may be positioned distal to the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′, and thus the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′ may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308′ (i.e., plane L is distal to plane A, and plane A is proximal to plane L). Still yet further, the distally-directed surfaces 308 of the lock elements 306′ may be positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface 302 of the spine 300′, and thus the proximally-directed surface 302′ of the spine 300′ may be positioned proximal to the distally-directed surfaces 308′ (i.e., plane L is distal to plane S, and plane S is proximal to plane L). As previously explained in detail, the relative positioning in the proximal-to-distal direction of each of the rim 276′, the proximally-directed surfaces 286′ of the arms 284′, the distally-directed surfaces 290′ of the catches 254′, the proximally-directed surface 302′ of the spine 300′, and/or the distally-directed surfaces 308′ of the lock elements 306′ are advantageously tuned to facilitate precise operative timing of complementary components of the receiver 116 as the manifold 124 is inserted within the receiver 116.

Referring to FIG. 65, the outlet opening 242′ may be oblong and defined by the rim 276′ including the upper segment 312′, the lower segment 314′, and the opposing side segments 316. The vertical and horizontal planes in the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through each of the opposing lateral-most points, the uppermost point, and the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242, respectively, are labelled (S_(oo)), (U_(oo)), and (L_(oo)), respectively. The vertical plane in the proximal-to-distal direction and bifurcating the outlet opening 242′ may be the vertical plane of symmetry (PS). The outlet opening 242′ may be positioned entirely within an upper half of the trunk 134′ when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The positioning of the outlet opening 242′ within the upper half may particularly advantageous to avoid inadvertent egress of the waste material from the manifold volume 130. In other words, the waste material that is not drawn through the seal 282 under the influence of the vacuum may descend under the influence of gravity within the manifold volume 130. The waste material may collect within a portion of the manifold volume 130 defined by the lower wall 262′ and bounded proximally by the second leg(s) 246′ and/or the distal aspect 256′. Further, during removal of the manifold 124 including the trunk 134′ from the receiver 116 in manners previously described, the likelihood of egress of the waste material through the seal 282 (as the suction fitting 326 is being removed through the seal 282) is appreciably reduced, as minimal waste material may be present on a distal side of the seal 282 (having descended within the manifold volume 130).

The arms 284′ may include the laterally-directed surfaces 318′ that cooperate to define a width that is greater or larger than the width of the rim 276′ and the outlet opening 242′. FIG. 65 shows vertical planes in the proximal-to-distal direction extending through the laterally-directed surfaces 318′, identified as (A), indicative of lateral positions of the arms 284′. The laterally-directed surfaces 318′ of the arms 284′ may be positioned farther from the plane of symmetry (PS) than the respective lateral-most points of the outlet opening 242′ (i.e., the planes (A) are at a greater distance from the vertical plane of symmetry (PS) than the planes S_(oo)). Likewise, the lock elements 306′ the laterally-directed surfaces that cooperate to define a width that is greater or larger than the width of the rim 276′ and the outlet opening 242′. The catches 254′ (identified in phantom in FIG. 65) may be positioned in a lower half of the trunk 134′ when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The catches 254′ may be positioned below the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242′. Further, the laterally-directed surfaces 298′ of the catches 254′ may cooperate to define a width that is less than the width of the rim 276′ and the outlet opening 242′. FIG. 65 shows vertical planes in the proximal-to-distal direction extending through each of the laterally-directed surfaces 298, identified as (C), indicative of lateral positions of the catches 254′. The laterally-directed surfaces 298′ of the catches 254′ are positioned nearer to the plane of symmetry (PS) than the respective lateral-most points of the outlet opening 242′ (i.e., the planes C are at a lesser distance from the plane of symmetry (PS) than the planes S_(oo)).

The spine 300′ may be positioned in the lower half of the trunk 134′ when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion within the opening 118 of the receiver 116. The spine 300′ may be positioned below the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242′. Further, the spine 300′ may be coplanar with the plane of symmetry (PS). FIG. 65 shows the horizontal plane in the proximal-to-distal direction and extending through the downward-directed surface 320′ of the spine 300′, identified as (S), indicative of a downward position of the spine 300′. The downward-directed surface 320′ of the spine 300′ is positioned below the lowermost point of the outlet opening 242′ (i.e., the plane S is below the plane L_(oo)).

In at least some respects, the positioning and/or spacing of the catches 254, 254′ in the proximal-to-distal direction relative to the rim 276, 276′ and/or the proximally-directed surfaces 286, 286′ of the arms 284, 284 and/or the distally-directed surfaces 308, 308′ of the lock elements 306, 306′ may be useful to prevent non-genuine articles from being used with the receiver 116. Additional security features may be provided which prevent non-genuine articles from being used with the receiver 116. As previously mentioned, the controller 122 (see FIG. 2) may prevent operation of the vacuum pump 110 should the manifold 124 not be inserted into the receiver 116 to the fourth or fully inserted operative position. The arrangement may be facilitated with at least one sensor, for example, Hall sensors, suitably positioned on at least one of the sled assembly 288 and the lower housing 268. Thus, should an article not include the requisite structure(s) that permit the manifold 124 to assume the fourth or fully inserted operative position, the sensor(s) may not transmit the appropriate signal to the controller 122. The controller 122 not permit operation of the medical waste collection system 100. Similarly, the controller 122 may prevent operation of the vacuum pump 110 should the receiver 116 not be cycled through the decoupled operative position after each instance the manifold 124 is inserted and/or removed from the receiver 116. The arrangement may also be facilitated with the sensor(s). Thus, should an article not include the requisite structure(s) (e.g., the catches 254) that permit the manifold 124 to facilitate the sled assembly 288 returning to the decoupled operative position, the sensor(s) may not transmit the appropriate signal to the controller 122, and the controller 122 not permit operation of the medical waste collection system 100.

In certain implementations, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag 606 may be coupled to the manifold 124 and positioned to be detected by the sensor(s) (e.g., a data reader) of the medical waste collection system 100. Referring to FIG. 3, the RFID tag 606 may be disposed on the upper wall 260 of the trunk 134. More particularly, the RFID tag 606 may be at least partially positioned on the upper wall 260 defining the body portion 210, and/or the RFID tag 606 may be at least partially positioned on the upper wall 260 defining the second leg 246. As previously mentioned, the upper wall 260 may be generally horizontally-oriented when the manifold 124 is oriented for insertion into the receiver 116. Further, FIGS. 8, 10 and 11 show the upper wall 260 as being slightly arcuate but substantially flat. It is appreciated that reliability of detection of RFID tags may be generally improved when the RFID tag is disposed on a substantially flat surface. Thus, in addition to the substantially flat contour of the upper wall 260 at least partially defining the orientation feature(s) 265, the contour may provide sufficient surface area for coupling of the RFID tag 606 with improved detection by the data reader of the medical waste collection system 100.

The RFID tag 606 may be configured to be detected by the data reader when the manifold 124 is in the first, second, third, and/or fourth operative positions. In particular, the RFID tag 606 may be configured to be detected by the data reader when the manifold 124 is in the fourth or fully inserted operative position in the receiver 116. For example, for a specifically-tuned strength of the interrogating radio waves from the data reader, the data reader may be positioned on the receiver 116 such that the RFID tag 606 is only detectable when the manifold 124 is in the fourth or fully inserted operative position in the receiver 116. Should an article be incapable of being inserted to the fourth or fully inserted operative position for reasons previously described, no data communication is established between the RFID tag 606 and the reader, and the controller 122 may prevent operation of the medical waste collection system 100. In certain implementations, the RFID tag 606 may include memory storing data for determining whether the manifold 124 is usable with the medical waste collection system 100. The RFID tag 606 transmits the data from the memory to the data reader, and the controller 122 of the medical waste collection system 100 authenticates the manifold 124. If the authentication is successful, the medical waste collection system 100 may be operated as intended. Certain aspects of utilizing RFID may be disclosed in commonly owned International Publication Number WO 2007/1038425, published Sep. 13, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Alternative methods of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) are contemplated, for example, bar codes, magnetic stripes, optical character recognition (OCR), smart cards, and the like.

Certain implementations may be described with reference to the following exemplary clauses:

Clause 1—A manifold for coupling a suction tube to a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim defining the outlet opening; an inlet fitting for coupling to the suction tube; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and including a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending outwardly from the housing, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; a spine extending outwardly from the housing, the spine including a proximally-directed surface positioned proximal to the distally-directed surface of the lock element and distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; and a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void, and wherein the rim is positioned below the catch when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.

Clause 2—The manifold of clause 1, wherein the proximally-directed surface of the arm is positioned distal to the rim, and the distally-directed surface of the catch is positioned proximal to the rim.

Clause 3—The manifold of clause 1, wherein the housing further includes a body portion having a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, the second leg spaced apart from the first leg by the void.

Clause 4—The manifold of clause 1, wherein each of the first and second legs includes a respective cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the body portion.

Clause 5—The manifold of clause 1, wherein the housing includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver, wherein the spine extends downwardly from the lower wall.

Clause 6—The manifold of clause 5, wherein the arm and the lock element each extend laterally from one of the opposing sides.

Clause 7—The manifold of clause 1, wherein the proximally-directed surface of the spine includes a ramped surface tapering towards the housing in a proximal direction.

Clause 8—The manifold of clause 5, wherein the arm includes a pair of arms each extending laterally from a respective one of the opposing sides, wherein laterally-directed surfaces of the pair of arms cooperate to define a width that is larger than a width of the rim.

Clause 9—The manifold of clause 3, wherein the second leg includes a cavity defining a portion of the manifold volume such that the cavity is in fluid communication with the outlet opening.

Clause 10—The manifold of clause 3, wherein the arm extends outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, wherein the lock element extends outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, wherein the spine extends outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, and wherein the catch is disposed on the second leg.

Clause 11—The manifold of clause 1, wherein the rim has a width larger than a height to define the outlet opening as being non-circular.

Clause 12—The manifold of clause 11, further including a seal coupled to the rim, the seal further including a seal body shaped to cover the non-circular outlet opening.

Clause 13—The manifold of clause 11, wherein the non-circular outlet opening includes opposing lateral-most points relative to a vertical plane of symmetry, an uppermost point, and a lowermost point, wherein the arm includes a laterally-directed surface positioned farther from the vertical plane of symmetry than one of the opposing lateral-most points of the outlet opening.

Clause 14—A manifold for coupling a suction tube to a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion extending to a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void; an inlet fitting for coupling to the suction tube; an arm extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, the arm including a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; a catch disposed on the second leg and including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; and a spine extending outwardly from one of the body portion, the first leg, and the second leg, the spine having a proximal end positioned distal to the distally directed surface of the catch and proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm.

Clause 15—The manifold of clause 14, wherein the second leg extends proximally from the distal aspect.

Clause 16—The manifold of clause 14, wherein the first leg includes a rim defining the outlet opening, wherein the proximally-directed surface of the arm is positioned distal to the rim, and wherein the distally-directed surface of the catch is positioned proximal to the rim.

Clause 17—The manifold of clause 14, wherein the first leg is positioned below the second leg when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.

Clause 18—The manifold of clause 14, wherein the spine further includes a ramped surface with at least a portion of the ramped surface defining the proximal end of the spine.

Clause 19—The manifold of clause 14, wherein each of the first and second legs includes a respective cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the body portion.

Clause 20—The manifold of clause 14, wherein the rim has a width larger than a height to define the outlet opening as being non-circular.

Clause 21—The manifold of clause 20, wherein the arm includes a pair of arms each extending laterally from a respective one of opposing sides one of the body portion and the first leg, wherein laterally-directed surfaces of the pair of arms cooperate to define a width that is larger than the width of the rim.

Clause 22—A manifold for coupling a suction tube to a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver, the housing further including a rim defining the outlet opening; an inlet fitting for coupling to the suction tube; an arm extending laterally outward from one of the opposing sides and including a proximally-directed surface; a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, wherein the catch is located on a first side of a void separate from the manifold volume and separate from the outlet opening, with the rim located on a second side of the void opposite the first side; and a spine extending downwardly from the lower wall, the spine including a ramped surface positioned distal to the distally-directed surface of the catch.

Clause 23—The manifold of clause 22, wherein the rim is positioned: distal to the distally-directed surface of the catch, proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, and proximal to the ramped surface of the spine.

Clause 24—The manifold of clause 22, further including a lock element extending laterally outward from one of the opposing sides, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned: distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, distal to the distally-directed surface of the catch, and distal to the rim.

Clause 25—The manifold of clause 22, wherein the arm includes a pair of arms each extending laterally from a respective one of the opposing sides, wherein laterally-directed surfaces of the pair of arms cooperate to define a width that is greater than the width of the rim.

Clause 26—The manifold of clause 22, wherein the housing further includes a first leg, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define the void, wherein the first leg includes at least a portion of the lower wall and at least a portion of the opposing sides, and the second leg includes at least a portion of the upper wall and at least a portion of the opposing sides.

Clause 27—The manifold of clause 22, wherein the rim has a width larger than a height to define the outlet opening as being non-circular, the manifold further including a seal coupled to the rim.

Clause 28—A manifold for coupling a suction tube to a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim defining the outlet opening; an inlet fitting for coupling to the suction tube; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and including a proximally-directed surface positioned distal to the rim; a lock element extending outwardly from the housing, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and distal to the rim; and a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and proximal to the rim, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void external to the housing.

Clause 29—The manifold of clause 28, further including a spine extending outwardly from the housing and including a ramped surface positioned: distal to the rim, distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, and proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the lock element.

Clause 30—The manifold of clause 28, wherein the housing further includes a body portion having a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, the second leg extending from the distal aspect and spaced apart from the first leg by the void.

Clause 31—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim defining the outlet opening; an arm extending outwardly from the housing; and a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the arm and the rim, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void, and wherein the rim is positioned above or below the catch when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.

Clause 32—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim defining the outlet opening; arms extending outwardly from the housing; lock elements extending outwardly from the housing; a spine extending outwardly from the housing; and catches proximal to the arm, proximal to the rim, proximal to the lock elements, and proximal to the spine.

Clause 33—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim having a width greater or larger than a height to define an outlet opening that is non-circular; and a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the rim, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void, and wherein the rim is positioned below the catch when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.

Clause 34—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver; arms extending outwardly from a respective one of the opposing sides of the housing and each including a proximally-directed surface; and a spine extending outwardly from the housing, the spine including a proximally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surfaces of the arms, wherein the arms and the spine being elongate and oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction, and wherein the spine is positioned angularly equidistant between the arms.

Clause 35—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void; an arm extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg to a first distance relative to a vertical plane of symmetrical oriented in the proximal-to-distal direction, wherein the arm includes a proximally-directed surface; a catch disposed on the second leg and including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, wherein the catch is at a second distance relative to the vertical plane of symmetry with the second distance being less than the first distance.

Clause 36—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void, wherein an entry profile of the manifold is at least partially defined by cross sections of the first and second legs defined in a vertical plane perpendicular to the proximal-to-distal direction with the entry profile having a shape complementary the opening of the receiver; an arm extending laterally outward from the housing to a position beyond the entry profile; a catch disposed on the second leg and including a recess within the entry profile.

Clause 37—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and configured to engage a push feature of the receiver as the manifold is being inserted within the opening; and orientation features including a transition surface being a change in contour between an upper wall and one of opposing sides of the housing, and an undercut surface defining at least a portion of the opposing sides, wherein the orientation feature and the arm are complementarily arranged to require insertion of the manifold within the opening of the receiver in a single orientation.

Clause 38—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion and including an upper aspect, and a second leg including a lower aspect spaced apart from the upper aspect of the first leg to define a void, wherein the void is further defined by a distal aspect of the body portion extending between the upper and lower aspects such that the void is slot-shaped; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and including a proximally-directed surface; and a catch disposed on the second leg and including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and proximal to the outlet opening.

Clause 39—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the receiver including an inlet mechanism having a first support element, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion including a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg extending from the distal aspect and spaced apart from the first leg to define a void, wherein the void includes a depth in the proximal-to-distal direction sized to receive the first support element of the inlet mechanism to ensure the manifold is inserted into the receiver to a proper insertion depth.

Clause 40—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the receiver including a sled assembly, a sled lock assembly, and a locking assembly, the manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing comprising a rim defining the outlet opening; a filter element disposed within the manifold volume; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and comprising a proximally-directed surface configured to engage the sled assembly during insertion of the manifold to facilitate moving the sled assembly in the proximal direction; a lock element extending outwardly from the housing, the lock element comprising a distally-directed surface configured to engage the locking assembly after insertion of the manifold into the receiver; a spine extending outwardly from the housing, the spine comprising a proximally-directed surface configured engage the sled lock assembly to permit movement of the sled assembly in the proximal direction; and a catch comprising a distally-directed surface configured to engage the receiver and facilitate movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver.

Clause 41—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the receiver including a sled assembly, a sled lock assembly, and a locking assembly, the manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing comprising a rim defining the outlet opening, the housing comprising a body portion extending to a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void; a filter element disposed within the manifold volume; an arm extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, the arm configured to engage the sled assembly during insertion of the manifold to facilitate moving the sled assembly in the proximal direction; a lock element extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, the lock element configured to engage the locking assembly of the receiver after insertion of the manifold into the receiver; a catch disposed on the second leg and configured to engage the receiver and facilitate movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver; and a spine extending outwardly from one of the body portion, the first leg, and the second leg, the spine configured to engage the sled lock assembly to permit movement of the sled assembly in the proximal direction.

Clause 42—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the receiver including a sled assembly, a sled lock assembly, and a locking assembly, the manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver, the housing further comprising a rim defining the outlet opening; a filter element disposed within the manifold volume; an arm extending laterally outward from one of the opposing sides and configured to engage the sled assembly during insertion of the manifold to facilitate moving the sled assembly in the proximal direction; a catch located on a first side of a void separate from the manifold volume and separate from the outlet opening, with the rim located on a second side of the void opposite the first side, wherein the catch is configured to engage the receiver and facilitate movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver; and a spine extending downwardly from the lower wall and configured to engage the sled lock assembly to permit movement of the sled assembly in the proximal direction.

Clause 43—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the receiver including a sled assembly, a sled lock assembly, and a locking assembly, the manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing comprising a rim defining the outlet opening; a filter element disposed within the manifold volume; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and comprising a proximally-directed surface configured to engage the sled assembly during insertion of the manifold to facilitate moving the sled assembly in the proximal direction; a lock element extending outwardly from the housing, the lock element comprising a distally-directed surface configured to engage the locking assembly of the receiver after insertion of the manifold into the receiver; and a catch comprising a distally-directed surface configured to engage the receiver and facilitate movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void external to the housing.

Clause 44—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver; an arm extending laterally from one of the opposing sides and including a proximally-directed surface; a spine extending downwardly from the lower wall; and a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag disposed on the upper wall with the RFID tag including memory storing data for determining whether the manifold is usable with the medical waste collection system with the RFID tag adapted to be in electronic communication with the data reader when the manifold is coupled with the manifold receiver.

Clause 45—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim having a width larger than a height to define the outlet opening as being non-circular; a seal including a valve body, an inner seal rim coupled to the valve body, and an outer seal rim spaced apart from the inner seal rim to define a groove sized to receive the rim such that the seal is coupled to the housing with interference engagement with the valve body covering the non-circular outlet opening.

Clause 46—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion, a first leg extending proximally from the body portion, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void, wherein an inner surface of the first leg defines an interior step; a seal including a valve body, an outer seal rim coupled to the valve body to define a cavity, an inner seal rim to define a groove sized to be coupled to the rim with interference engagement, a lip extending radially outwardly from the inner seal rim and including a retention surface configured to be in interference engagement with the interior step of the first leg to facilitate maintaining the interference engagement between the seal and the rim.

Clause 47—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a head including an inlet fitting, and a trunk defining the outlet opening, wherein each of the head and the trunk include complementary coupling features configured to removably couple the head and the trunk to one another such that an upper aspect of the head is aligned with an upper wall of the trunk, and a lower aspect of the head is aligned a lower wall of the trunk.

Clause 48—The manifold of clause 47, wherein the complementary coupling features include a pair of keys and a pair of keyways each disposed on a respective one of the head and the trunk with each of the pairs of keys and keyways diametrically opposed to one another.

Clause 49—A manifold assembly for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold assembly is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold assembly including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim defining the outlet opening; a filter element, wherein the manifold assembly defines a fluid path to be placed in fluid communication with the medical waste collection system with the filter element disposed in the fluid path; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and including a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending outwardly from the housing, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; a spine extending outwardly from the housing, the spine including a proximally-directed surface positioned proximal to the distally-directed surface of the lock element and distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; and a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void, and wherein the rim is positioned below the catch when the manifold assembly is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.

Clause 50—A manifold assembly for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold assembly is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold assembly including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a body portion extending to a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from the distal aspect, and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg to define a void; a filter element, wherein the manifold assembly defines a fluid path to be placed in fluid communication with the medical waste collection system with the filter element disposed in the fluid path; an arm extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, the arm including a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending outwardly from one of the body portion and the first leg, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm; a catch disposed on the second leg and including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the arm; and a spine extending outwardly from one of the body portion, the first leg, and the second leg, the spine including a proximal end positioned distal to the catch and proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm.

Clause 51—A manifold assembly for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold assembly is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold assembly including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between the upper and lower walls when the manifold assembly is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver, the housing further including a rim defining the outlet opening; a filter element, wherein the manifold assembly defines a fluid path to be placed in fluid communication with the medical waste collection system with the filter element disposed in the fluid path; an arm extending laterally outward from one of the opposing sides and including a proximally-directed surface; a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm, wherein the catch is located on a first side of a void separate from the manifold volume and separate from the outlet opening, with the rim located on a second side of the void opposite the first side; and a spine extending downwardly from the lower wall, the spine including a ramped surface positioned distal to the distally-directed surface of the catch.

Clause 52—A manifold assembly for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold assembly is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, the manifold assembly including: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the manifold volume, the housing including a rim defining the outlet opening; a filter element, wherein the manifold assembly defines a fluid path to be placed in fluid communication with the medical waste collection system with the filter element disposed in the fluid path; an arm extending outwardly from the housing and including a proximally-directed surface positioned distal to the rim; a lock element extending outwardly from the housing, the lock element including a distally-directed surface positioned distal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and distal to the rim; and a catch including a distally-directed surface positioned proximal to the proximally-directed surface of the arm and proximal to the rim, wherein the rim and the catch are spaced apart by a void external to the housing.

Clause 53—A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste material through a manifold during a medical procedure, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container and comprising a housing defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, wherein the housing further defines an receiver outlet and includes an inlet mechanism coupled to the housing so as to be movable in the proximal and distal directions, wherein the inlet mechanism includes a suction inlet, and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction inlet, wherein the suction outlet is not in fluid communication with the receiver outlet when the manifold is not in a fully inserted operative position; the receiver including a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and coupled to the inlet mechanism, wherein the sled assembly is configured to be engaged by the manifold during insertion of the manifold into the receiver to be moved in the proximal direction to facilitate the inlet mechanism moving correspondingly in the distal direction to establish fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet as the manifold assumes the fully inserted operative position, and further establish fluid communication between the waste container and the manifold.

Clause 54—The medical waste collection system of clause 53, wherein the sled assembly is configured to be moved in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver to facilitate the inlet mechanism moving correspondingly in the proximal direction to break fluid communication between the suction outlet and the receiver outlet.

Clause 55—The medical waste collection system of clause 53, further including a transfer gear operatively coupling the sled assembly and the inlet mechanism to facilitate the respective movements of the sled assembly and the inlet mechanism in the proximal and distal directions.

Clause 56—The medical waste collection system of clause 53, wherein the receiver further includes a first barrier pivotably coupled to the housing, and a first biasing element coupled to the first barrier configured to bias the first barrier towards a closed position to selectively cover at least a portion of the opening of the receiver when the manifold is in a decoupled operative position.

Clause 57—The medical waste collection system of clause 56, wherein the receiver further includes a second barrier pivotably coupled to the sled assembly and positioned proximal to the first barrier, and a second biasing element coupled to the second barrier configured to bias the second barrier towards a closed position, wherein movement of the inlet mechanism moving in the distal direction engages the second barrier to move the second barrier from the closed position to an open position in which the suction inlet of the inlet mechanism is exposed to the manifold being inserted towards the fully inserted operative position.

Clause 58—The medical waste collection system of clause 53, wherein the receiver further includes a claw movably coupled to the housing and pivotably coupled to the sled assembly, wherein the claw is configured to engage the manifold in the fully inserted operative position and facilitate the movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction in response to the manifold being removed in the distal direction.

Clause 59—A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste material through a manifold during a medical procedure, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container and comprising a housing defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction; the receiver including a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and configured to be engaged by the manifold during insertion of the manifold into the receiver, and a locking assembly including a locking member having an engagement surface, and a release member coupled to the locking member, and a biasing element biasing the locking assembly to a locked configuration in which the engagement surface engages the manifold in a fully inserted operative position to prevent distal movement of the manifold and the sled assembly, and an actuator coupled to the release member and configured to receive an input from a user to move the locking assembly from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration in which the engagement surface disengages from the manifold to permit the movement of the manifold and the sled assembly in the distal direction.

Clause 60—The medical waste collection system of claim 59, wherein the receiver further includes a second biasing element coupled to the sled assembly and configured to be in a deformed state and storing potential energy when the locking assembly is in the locked configuration such that, as the locking assembly is moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the second biasing element releases the stored potential energy to facilitate movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction.

Clause 61—The medical waste collection system of claim 59, wherein the actuator is a tongue positioned distal to the opening.

Clause 62—A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste material through a manifold during a medical procedure, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container and comprising a housing defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction; the receiver including a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and configured to be engaged by the manifold and moved in the proximal direction during insertion of the manifold into the receiver, and a sled lock assembly including a latch, and a biasing element coupled to the latch and configured to bias the latch to a locked configuration in which the latch engages the sled assembly to prevent movement of the sled assembly in the proximal direction, wherein insertion of the manifold into the receiver to a first operative position moves the sled lock assembly from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration in which the latch disengages from the sled assembly to permit movement of the sled assembly in the proximal direction.

Clause 63—The medical waste collection system of clause 62, wherein the sled assembly includes an aperture and the latch includes a key configured to engage with the aperture of the sled assembly when the sled lock assembly is in the locked configuration.

Clause 64—The medical waste collection system of clause 63, wherein the latch of the sled lock assembly includes a contact block positioned distal to the key and having a distally-directed surface configured to be engaged by the manifold in the first operative position, wherein the distally-directed surface is at least substantially vertical as to require a complementary engagement surface of the manifold to be angled relative to the distally-directed surface.

Clause 65—A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste material through a manifold during a medical procedure, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container; a receiver coupled to the waste container and comprising a housing defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction; the receiver including a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and configured to be engaged by the manifold during insertion of the manifold into the receiver to be moved in the proximal direction; the receiver including a claw movably coupled to the housing and pivotably coupled to the sled assembly, wherein the claw is configured to engage the manifold in the fully inserted operative position and facilitate the movement of the sled assembly in the distal direction in response to the manifold being moved in the distal direction during removal of the manifold from the receiver.

Clause 66—The medical waste collection system of clause 65, wherein the housing defines a track including a proximal portion and a distal portion angled relative to the proximal portion, wherein the claw includes a guide movably positioned within the track, wherein movement of the sled assembly in the proximal direction facilitates the guide moving from the distal portion of the track to the proximal portion of the track to inwardly pivot the claw about a pivot to engage the manifold.

Clause 67—A medical waste collection system for collecting medical waste material through a manifold during a medical procedure, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container; a vacuum source configured to provide a vacuum on the waste container; a controller in communication with the vacuum source and configured to control the vacuum source; a receiver coupled to the waste container and comprising a housing defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction; the receiver including a sled assembly movably coupled to the housing and configured to be engaged by the manifold during insertion of the manifold into the receiver to be moved in the proximal direction; a sensor in communication with the controller and configured to output a signal indicative of a position of the sled assembly in the proximal-to-distal direction, wherein the controller is configured to control the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor.

Clause 68—The medical waste collection system of clause 67, wherein configured to output a signal indicative of whether the manifold is inserted into the receiver to a fully inserted operative position, wherein the controller is configured to prevent operation of the vacuum source based on the signal from the sensor when the manifold is not inserted into the receiver to the fully inserted operative position.

Clause 69—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted and removed, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and including at least one inlet fitting for receiving a suction tube, the inlet fitting defining a fluid path into the manifold volume; an outlet opening defining the fluid path out of the manifold volume; and arms configured to actuate a sled assembly of the receiver as the manifold is pushed into the receiver, the arms extending laterally from the housing in a direction away from the manifold volume and being located on opposite sides of a vertical plane of symmetry extending through the manifold in a proximal-to-distal direction.

Clause 70—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted and removed, the receiver including an inlet mechanism having a first support element, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and including at least one inlet fitting for receiving a suction tube, the inlet fitting defining a fluid path into the manifold volume; an outlet opening defining the fluid path out of the manifold volume; and a void having a depth extending in a proximal-to-distal direction and configured to accommodate the first support element of the inlet mechanism.

Clause 71—A manifold for a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which the manifold is configured to be inserted and removed, the manifold including: a housing defining a manifold volume and including at least one inlet fitting for receiving a suction tube, the inlet fitting defining a fluid path into the manifold volume; an outlet opening defining the fluid path out of the manifold volume; and catches configured to be engaged by claws of the medical waste collection unit for engaging the manifold with the receiver.

The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which said manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, said manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with said manifold volume, said housing comprising a body portion extending to a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from said distal aspect, and a second leg spaced apart from said first leg to define a void, wherein said first leg comprises a rim defining said outlet opening; a filter element disposed within said manifold volume; an arm extending outwardly from one of said body portion and said first leg, said arm comprising a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending outwardly from one of said body portion and said first leg, said lock element comprising a distally-directed surface positioned distal to said proximally-directed surface of said arm; and a spine extending outwardly from one of said body portion and said first leg, said spine comprising a proximally-directed surface positioned proximal to said distally-directed surface of said lock element and distal to said proximally-directed surface of said arm.
 2. The manifold of claim 1, further comprising a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag at least partially positioned on said second leg.
 3. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said rim is positioned below said second leg when said manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver.
 4. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said second leg extends proximally from said distal aspect.
 5. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said second leg includes a cavity defining a portion of said manifold volume.
 6. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, and opposing sides each extending between said upper and lower walls when said manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver, wherein said spine extends downwardly from said lower wall.
 7. The manifold of claim 6, wherein said arm and said lock element each extend laterally from one of said opposing sides.
 8. The manifold of claim 6, wherein said arm comprises a pair of arms each extending laterally from a respective one of said opposing sides, wherein laterally-directed surfaces of said pair of arms cooperate to define a width that is larger than a width of said rim.
 9. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said proximally-directed surface of said spine comprises a ramped surface tapering towards said housing in a proximal direction.
 10. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said rim has a width larger than a height to define said outlet opening as being non-circular.
 11. The manifold of claim 10, further comprising a seal coupled to said rim and comprising a seal body shaped to cover said non-circular outlet opening.
 12. A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which said manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, said manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with said manifold volume, said housing comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, opposing sides each extending between said upper and lower walls when said manifold is oriented for insertion into the opening of the receiver, a first leg comprising at least a portion of said lower wall and at least a portion of said opposing sides, and a second leg spaced apart from said first leg to define a void; a filter element disposed within said manifold volume; an arm extending laterally from one of said opposing sides, said arm comprising a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending laterally from one of said opposing sides, said lock element comprising a distally-directed surface positioned distal to said proximally-directed surface of said arm; and a spine extending downwardly from said lower wall, said spine comprising a proximally-directed surface positioned proximal to said distally-directed surface of said lock element and distal to said proximally-directed surface of said arm.
 13. The manifold of claim 12, further comprising a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag at least partially positioned on said upper wall.
 14. The manifold of claim 12, wherein said first leg comprises a rim having a width larger than a height to define said outlet opening that is non-circular.
 15. The manifold of claim 12, wherein said arm comprises a pair of arms each extending laterally from a respective one of said opposing sides, wherein laterally-directed surfaces of said pair of arms cooperate to define a width of said manifold that is greater than a width of a rim.
 16. The manifold of claim 12, wherein said lock element further comprises a pair of lock elements each extending laterally from a respective one of said opposing sides.
 17. A manifold for filtering medical waste received under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a receiver defining an opening into which said manifold is configured to be inserted in a proximal direction and removed in a distal direction opposite the proximal direction, said manifold comprising: a housing defining a manifold volume and an outlet opening in fluid communication with said manifold volume, said housing comprising a body portion extending to a distal aspect, a first leg extending proximally from said distal aspect, and a second leg spaced apart from said first leg to define a void; a filter element disposed within said manifold volume; an arm extending outwardly from one of said body portion and said first leg, said arm comprising a proximally-directed surface; a lock element extending outwardly from one of said body portion and said first leg, said lock element comprising a distally-directed surface positioned distal to said proximally-directed surface of said arm; and a spine extending outwardly from one of said body portion and said first leg, said spine having a ramped surface positioned distal to said proximally-directed surface of said arm and proximal to said distally-directed surface of said lock element.
 18. The manifold of claim 17, wherein said second leg extends proximally from said distal aspect, said manifold further comprising a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag at least partially positioned on an upper wall defining said second leg.
 19. The manifold of claim 17, wherein said first leg comprises a rim defining said outlet opening, wherein said rim has a width larger than a height to define said outlet opening as being non-circular.
 20. The manifold of claim 19, wherein said arm comprises a pair of arms each extending laterally from a respective one of opposing sides of one said body portion and said first leg, wherein laterally-directed surfaces of said pair of arms cooperate to define a width that is larger than said width of said rim.
 21. The manifold of claim 19, further comprising a seal coupled to said rim and comprising a seal body shaped to cover said non-circular outlet opening. 